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“We did gold standard of care, and little Bean turned the corner,” says Dr Davis, one of our veterinarians at Firehouse 183. “And (she) ended up doing really well.” Bean was a tiny chihuahua puppy, and her story stuck with Dr Davis because she was so small.
Adopting a new puppy is exciting! Among the many things you’ll need to consider (food, sleeping, socializing, training) is preventing canine parvovirus, or “parvo.”
Parvo is transferred to unvaccinated dogs of all ages through poop. So, when unprotected pets relieve themselves in public spaces like parks and sidewalks, traces of this virus are left behind. This puts puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs at risk.
Let’s keep your dog safe. Whether you just adopted a new puppy or an older dog, ensure your pet is vaccinated against parvo to avoid this life-threatening disease.
What is Parvo?
Parvo is a serious and highly contagious virus that targets a dog’s digestive system. It spreads through contact with feces from dogs that have not been vaccinated.
Puppies under 16 weeks are especially vulnerable since their immune systems are still developing and they’re not yet fully vaccinated.
And here’s the kicker—parvo can live in places like soil or on surfaces for over a year. That’s because the virus is hearty and lives for a long time. So, even if the poop that once carried it has long since dissolved, the virus is still alive and ready to infect your dog.
That’s why we recommend holding off on parks until all parvo vaccinations are complete.
What happens if my dog gets Parvo?
Parvo is tough on dogs. It attacks the cells in your dog’s intestines, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration. Without quick treatment, parvo can be fatal.
Treatment is long and expensive. It often means days in the hospital with round-the-clock fluids. Unfortunately, some puppies still don’t pull through.
Dr Davis has helped many patients get better from canine parvovirus. However, it’s a lot easier (and far less expensive) to prevent parvo with vaccines.
What symptoms should you watch for?
A dog with parvovirus is in pain. They’ll show signs of:
- Extreme tiredness (more than the usual puppy naps)
- A lack of interest in eating
- Vomiting
- Severe, often bloody diarrhea
If you see this, call your vet. Catching these symptoms early could save your dog’s life.
How can you protect your puppy?
The best protection against parvo is vaccination.
Puppies need a series of vaccines, starting as early as possible and continuing every three to four weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old. If your puppy got their first shot from a breeder or shelter at six weeks, they’ll still need two or three more to be fully protected.
Older dogs should also keep up with the vaccines every year. We can back off of the vaccines for older pets. You and your veterinarian should discuss the pros and cons based on your dog.
3 tips to safely socialize your dog:
So, what can we do with our dog between 8-16 weeks? So many things!
Our top recommendation is to organize private puppy playdates. Socializing is important, yet it’s healthiest for your puppy to stay at home (or in a friend’s yard) with older, vaccinated pets.
When introducing your dog to stores and restaurants, hold them or use a doggy stroller. “You can bring them with you,” says Dr Davis. “Just don’t let them touch the ground.”
Check out this video, which offers lots of advice.
Can humans get parvo from dogs?
No. Humans can’t catch parvo from dogs. However, you can unknowingly carry the virus on your shoes, hands, or clothing if you’ve been in a contaminated area. Be mindful when handling your puppy.
Do cats get parvo?
Not exactly. Cats can catch a similar virus called feline panleukopenia, but it’s not the same as canine parvo. Like dogs, cats should be vaccinated to protect against it.
Keeping your puppy safe from parvo can feel like a balancing act between socializing and staying cautious. And that’s ok!
Vaccinating on schedule, avoiding public spaces, and only allowing play with vaccinated pets will keep your puppy healthy and happy during these critical early months. Parvo is serious. We’re here to help.
Call us if you just adopted a new dog (or cat). You can also choose your appointment time online here.