How to tell if my puppy's diarrhea is parvo or a common stomach bug?

Question

what is the difference between parvovirus and gastrointestinal infection? is gastrointestinal infection a virus too that can get by other dogs? Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 6 days old | 3 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Parvovirus is a severe viral infection that typically infects young unvaccinated puppies, and rare older unvaccinated dogs. Parvovirus is caused by canine parvovirus type 2b. Symptoms include bloody and very smelly diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and severe vomiting. There is no cure for it, only symptomatic treatment, and is frequently fatal. GI infections can be caused bacteria, medications, viruses, or parasites. While it also causes vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia, there typically isn't a bad smell to the diarrhea, nor is it as deadly. Parvo is highly contagious, while GI infections are not necessarily infectious depending on the cause. Parvo can be diagnosed with a blood test, and because it's so life threatening, diagnosis and treatment must be instituted as soon as possible.

How to tell if my puppy's diarrhea is parvo or a common stomach bug?

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