It’s so exciting when a new fur member is taken into a family. However, this joyous moment can be a nightmare for most new pet owners. Parvovirus is very prevalent in pups and adolescent canines, especially the unvaccinated ones. This infection can turn bushy-tailed, healthy, and playful puppies seriously ill and even lead to death when not dealt with straight away.
Given that it’s a common occurrence in pets, avoiding it from happening should be the most prioritized concern for most pet owners. Now, let’s know how to protect your canine from the virus.
Five Tips to Prevent Parvo in Dogs
Parvo is a highly transmissible and deadly virus that can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses to young dogs when ignored. Another worrying thing about the virus is its level of contagiousness and how it can affect a population of dogs. Doing preventative steps to avoid this virus is wiser than handling it once it infects your pet. Here are five simple pointers to keep your dog healthy and away from parvovirus.
1. Deworm your dog
Unvaccinated puppies and those with intestinal parasites have weak immune systems. Worms can bring several unforeseen health issues and put them at greater threat of contracting parvo due to their weakened immune system. By preventing worms in your canines, you are shielding them from the virus and illnesses that can be caused by it.
Ask your veterinarian for the best heartworm medications for your canine’s breed to shield them from intestinal worms. Moreover, bringing your dogs or pups to veterinarians for routine exams is always crucial to preserve their well-being and uncover what illnesses disturb their health. You may read more on the web to see the importance of routine exams to your dog and how it greatly benefits their health.
2. Vaccinate your puppy
Having your canine vaccinated helps protect them from parvovirus. Dog vaccinations against canine parvovirus must be administered for puppies around 6-8 weeks of age. This involves boosters every three weeks when sixteen weeks of age and boosters every three years. Your pet should have immunity to the infection after the first 3 initial vaccinations. After that, routine annual boosters still have to be administered to guarantee your pets keep their immunity.
3. Visit your veterinarian
It’s crucial to take your canine to a vet immediately upon suspicion that they have parvovirus. The virus can kill a dog within 24-48 hours of contraction. If your dog receives immediate care faster, the greater odds they can overcome the infection. Some symptoms of parvo you have to watch out for are a loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Seeing an internal medicine veterinarian is a reliable general rule if you feel your canine suffers from the virus. Aggressive therapies are usually warranted to ensure that infectious illnesses like parvo are addressed successfully.
4. Limit your dog’s exposure to other dogs
Fully vaccinated pet dogs are immune to parvo, but they can still be carriers of the infection, which may put unvaccinated puppies in danger. If your canine is not fully vaccinated, avoid taking them outside if not required. Wait for your pet to get fully vaccinated before letting them have fun outdoors with their doggy friends to lessen their chances of having the virus.
Reducing your canine’s exposure to their fellows will help prevent unforeseen accidents and fights that could lead to injuries or internal bleeding, which might need vet surgeons’ attention. You may visit their website to learn more about their rates and services.
5. Keep your house clean
Although parvovirus is not air-borne, it may still live on surface areas and might be hard to remove. Extensively cleaning your house with a solution of bleach is the best effective method, as regular soaps and disinfectants can’t eliminate the virus.
