Your Puppies Worst nightmare “PARVO!”

Summerwood Farm NC, LLC

von BachHaus Kennel German Shepherds

Canine Parvovirus Type 2 or Parvo

I want to discuss in this post the Deadly importance of inoculating your puppy with the four-/five-way set of shots by your Veterinarian. First set at 6 or 7 weeks of age. The Second set of shots are given three weeks later, as is the Third set of shots. The Fourth and final set of shots takes place three weeks later, for a total of 16 weeks.

After that, each year your dog should have a wellness exam by your veterinarian. At that visit, a stool sample for parasites and blood work for heart worms should be required.

  • Parvo was discovered in the 1970’s. In two years, the virus had spread worldwide.
  • Dogs that develop Parvo will show symptoms 3-10 days after being exposed.
  • Symptoms include: vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea (usually bloody), and fever.
  • Mortality rate: 91 percent if left untreated, 5-20 percent if aggressively treated.
  • 80 percent of adult dogs show no symptoms; puppies are most susceptible.
  • Extremely resilient, Parvo can live in feces or other organic material for more than a year.
  • The only household cleaner that will destroy the virus is bleach.
  • The only Prevention for PARVO is Four sets of Vaccinations.

This Virus should scare the HELL out you as the new puppy owner.

I am speaking of 

P A R V O.

I recommend keeping your puppy off grass until he or she has received their 4th set of shots. Your puppy can play and walk on wood, tile, concrete, asphalt and sand without fear on contracting the Parvo virus .

This Virus called Parvo takes no prisoners, it kills. 

Don’t think for a minute this cannot happen to your puppy because you have never seen a dog in your yard.

Here at the farm we are fortunate to have three buildings with concrete floors where the puppies can play and socialize with the larger females  and we can watch them grow up..

Love your Puppy enough to make sure that this ever present killer – PARVO – is under control. 

Please discuss Parvo with your local Veterinarian.

This is my last comment regarding the subject of PARVO.   There is not a breeder around who has not lost a puppy or puppies from time to time to PARVO virus.

5-Way Shots 

Have you ever wondered how the 5-Way shot protects for your puppy/dog? The 5-Way vaccine protects against canine distemper, canine hepatitis, adenovirus cough (kennel cough), parainfluenza, and parvovirus.

Puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs who are not vaccinated are at risk of contracting the virus. Protecting your puppy or dog from parvovirus could save his life.

Keep your dog healthy and parvo-free with these 8 tips:

1. Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated. Puppies should receive their first vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age; boosters should be administered at three-week intervals until the puppy is 16 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Previously vaccinated adult dogs need boosters every year. Visit The Animal Foundation’s Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic for affordable vaccines administered seven days a week — no appointment needed!

2. Limit your puppy or unvaccinated dog’s exposure to other dogs until he’s had his first two vaccinations, unless you are sure the other dogs are fully vaccinated.

3. Avoid places where your puppy or unvaccinated dog could be exposed to parvovirus from unvaccinated dogs. Dog parks, pet stores, play groups, and other public areas should be avoided until your dog or puppy is fully vaccinated.

4. When visiting your vet for wellness check-ups and vaccinations, carry your puppy in your arms outside and leave him on your lap while waiting in the lobby. Walking where other dogs have walked and gone to the bathroom will increase your puppy’s risk of contracting disease.

5. Parvovirus is very difficult to kill and can live in the environment for over a year. If you suspect your house or yard has been infected, clean with a 1:32 dilution of bleach (1/2 cup bleach in a gallon of water). Regular soaps and disinfectants DO NOT kill parvovirus. Areas that cannot be cleaned with bleach may remain contaminated. Remember, the virus can survive on a variety of objects, including food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors.

6. If you work or spend time in places where you have contact with dogs, change your clothes and shoes before returning home to your dog or puppy.

7. If your dog or puppy is vomiting, has diarrhea, is not eating or is lethargic, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. These are all symptoms of parvovirus. Remember, Infected dogs may show only one symptom!

8. If you are considering adopting a new dog, we encourage leaving your unvaccinated puppies or dogs at home. It is very important to do a meet and greet, but take the time to make sure your dog is fully vaccinated first!

 

 Revised: 11/7/2020