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NAVIGATION
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The canine
parvovirus is the most contagious disease that can affect dogs that
have not been protected against the virus. It is most common in puppies
from the age of weaning until they are six months old. Older dogs can
contract it, but it is less common. Symptoms can include,
lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea. It can be very hard to successfully vaccinate a puppy for this
disease because the antibody protection the puppy acquires from its
mother can interfere with vaccination. Many vets recommend vaccinating
puppies every three to four weeks for this virus starting at 6 weeks of
age and continuing until they are at least 16 weeks of age and
preferably 20 weeks of age. It is possible that this vaccine confers
lifelong immunity once it does work but most veterinarians continue to
recommend yearly vaccination for it. It seems prudent to at least get
the vaccination at one year of age. Since it is combined with the other
vaccines it is often easier just to give it yearly with them.
FACT: Parvovirus is widely known as the number one killer in the world
of puppies. As quoted by The North American Llewellin Breeder
Association (NALBA):
"Parvo-virus is the number one killer of small puppies. The signs
are listlessness, blood in the stool and then the next day bloody stool
that looks like someone emptied a bottle of ketchup in the run. By
then, it's too late."
FACT: Parvovirus is also highly contagious among other dogs
(luckily not humans). If you think your dog has been exposed--isolate him from your other dogs!
It gets in their toys, their food, and even on the ground.
Parvovirus is the most contagious killer dog virus in history and THE
VIRUS CAN LAST IN AND AROUND YOUR HOUSE FOR FROM 6 - 10 MONTHS.
As quoted by the American Veterinary Medical Association: "the
virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of
dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects".
Dogs and puppies can contract parvo even if they never leave their
yards. Parvo virus, despite what you might hear, is NOT an airborne
virus. It is excreted in the feces of infected dogs, and if someone --
human, dog, bird, etc. -- steps in (or otherwise comes in contact with)
the excrement, the possibility for contamination is great. Some people
speculate that birds invading a dog's food dish can deposit the
parvovirus there. If you think you may have come in contact with
parvovirus, a strong solution of bleach and water does kill the virus,
so you can wash your shoes and clothes, even your hands with it, to
reduce the risk of infecting your dog.
How do I prevent the spread of Parvo?
The
surest way to avoid parvo infection in your dog is to adhere to the
recommended vaccination schedule which begins when puppies are 6-8
weeks of age. Puppies should not be allowed to socialize with other
dogs or frequent areas where other dogs have been until 2 weeks after
they have had their last vaccination. Immunization for parvo is usually
included in your dog's distemper vaccine. This shot gives protection
against several potentially fatal canine diseases all at the same time.
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