How to Protect Your Puppy from Parvo

Make sure your puppy gets all of his shots.

Complications from canine Parvovirus, commonly referred to as 'parvo', is one of the leading causes of death in puppies every year. Parvo is a contagious gastrointestinal disease. Though adults can get parvo they can usually pull through whereas puppies often die. Parvovirus attacks the lining of the digestive tract making the puppy nauseated and lethargic. They often pass bloody, mucousy diarrhea with an unmistakable odor to it. Parvovirus must be diagnosed by your veterinarian who will use an antigen test on a stool sample. There are other diseases, such as Giardia, which can mimic the early onset of parvo yet the treatments are very different. There is no time to waste in diagnosing and beginning treatment for parvo.

Things You'll Need

• Veterinarian
• Vaccinations
• Understanding

Instructions

1. Vaccinate your puppy or dog. An adult dog requires a yearly booster vaccination. A puppy needs to be vaccinated every three to four weeks from six to eight weeks of age until they are 16 to18 weeks of age. Understand that these vaccinations work on a 'hit or miss' basis. You are not building up the immunity but rather attempting to vaccinate at the earliest point possible for the earliest protection. By 16-18 weeks of age, you can rest assured your puppy is covered. Until then, you must treat him as unvaccinated and vulnerable to infection.

2. Avoid bringing your puppy to public areas frequented by other dogs who may be infected with parvo or any other disease until he has had his last set of shots. These areas include rest areas, dog parks and veterinarian grounds. Avoid co-mingling with friend's puppies who are not vaccinated. Parvo is transmitted through the feces into the mouth. Puppies lick dirty floors and eat things they shouldn't.

3. Carry your puppy when going to the vet's office. While vets commonly ask that you keep puppies suspected of having parvovirus in your vehicle to be examined, some owners will just bring them in with no warning. Bleach does kill parovirus and vets will have bleached the inside of their offices but the ground outside is not safe.

Tips & Warnings

• Some breeds are considered high risk. If you have a Rottweiler, Doberman pinscher or a mixed breed that is black and tan or possibly a Rottweiler or Doberman mix, be extra vigilant.

• Your puppy will be contagious for two months after recovering from parvovirus.

References

• Vet Info: Intestinal Canine Parvovirus
• Working Dogs: Parvo FAQs
• PetsMD: Parvovirus Infection

Resources

• The Daily Puppy: Parvovirus Symptoms