The Importance of Parvovirus Vaccines

The American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Guidelines remind us that not all pets are alike. That’s why vaccine selections need to be individualized, with due consideration for factors such as age, health status, geographic area, travel, and exposure risks.

In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month, we want to help educate you on the importance of vaccines and give you some more insights into what we’re vaccinating against. This week, we want to talk about Parvovirus.

How to prevent Parvo

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can have life-threatening effects, so it’s important to make sure your dog is vaccinated at a young age. Puppies should start their parvovirus vaccines between 8 and 10 weeks of age. More importantly, it’s important to keep puppies away from other dogs and places where there is a heavy dog presence like dog parks, the beach, pet stores and training facilities until their full puppy vaccination schedule is completed. We would love to put together a plan for your puppy.

Adult dogs should be sure their dog’s parvo vaccination is up-to-date and know what signs to look for. We offer a vaccine that will last for 3 years for adult dogs that have previously been vaccinated appropriately!

How your dog can get Parvo?

This virus is spread through contact with dogs, humans, and other environments where it may be present like kennels, food and water bowls, your pet’s toys or leashes, and humans that have been in contact with the virus. This is why cleanliness is important during your dog’s early years.

Signs of Parvo

Parvo can have devastating effects on your pet’s health. If you notice any of the following signs, please be sure to contact us immediately.

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Vomiting
• Severe or bloody diarrhea.

Treatment of Parvo

Most deaths from Parvo occur within 48 to 72 hours of initial illness showing signs of being present. If you do notice the signs of Parvo in your pet, it’s important to contact us immediately. This disease is incredibly contagious, so isolation of infected dogs is necessary for the safety of other animals. If the signs are found early and care is sought quickly, the survival rate is 90% with proper treatment.

Here at Great Neck Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to the well-being of you and your pet. We strive to provide the best care possible, at all times. We feel ALL canine patients should get these vaccines. Please feel free to contact our office at 757-481-2800, or email us to make an appointment.