Parvo Virus Kills Dogs

DrM — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:35:45 +0000

And the fact is that it doesn’t have to. Proper vaccination can help to prevent the disease in most dogs. Note, I said “proper” vaccination. Contrary to popular belief, a single vaccination, given by the breeder before you acquired your pet, is not enough. Your dog needs a series of boosters, timed to ensure that regardless of previous vaccinations, that at least 2 vaccinations are given 3-4 weeks apart, after the age of 12 weeks. So if your puppy was 8 wks old when you got her, the shot given by the breeder or humane organization will need to be boostered again at 12wks, and one more time at 16 weeks of age. It also needs to be further boostered 1 year later, then periodically at least every 3 years thereafter. Why so many shots? Because Parvo is caused by a virus that is so prevalent that it can be considered “ubiquitous” (everywhere), and despite all efforts to keep your dog from encountering the disease, there is virtually no way to keep her from being exposed. The virus is hardy in the environment, can withstand freezing and drying, and takes at least several months for the virus to die in the environment. It can be spread by affected dogs before clinical signs of disease are present, and causes horrible diarrhea which can further spread the disease in large and difficult to clean volumes. And did I mention…. Parvo virus Kills Dogs!

Some dogs will survive the disease if treated immediately & aggressively. Even still, many dogs will not survive no matter how aggressively it is treated, and treatment is expensive. Your pet will need to be hospitalized on intravenous fluids and broad spectrum antibiotics for several days. Costs for care can easily reach or exceed $1000. And even after you’ve spent this, your pet may still die.

Vaccination is the best prevention. Properly administered and appropriately timed boosters will help provide your dog with the best hope of avoiding this deadly disease. I urge everyone to please check your dog’s records, make sure the first vaccinations were done properly and that boosters followed. If you need help evaluating this to ensure best protection from disease, that’s what I’m here for. Bring your pet, bring your records and we will discuss what needs to be done. This is not an optional vaccination; this one is required to protect your pet. My heart is breaking for all the puppies I have seen dying of this disease, only to have their owners say that they thought he had all his shots, and they just didn’t know he wasn’t protected.

Care Veterinary Center

Parvo Virus Kills Dogs