WHAT IS PARVO?
Parvovirus is a dangerous, extremely contagious virus that typically affects young dogs and puppies. It can infect your dog’s gastrointestinal tract or, less commonly, the cardiovascular system. It is a deadly disease that can only be prevented with a Parvo vaccine for dogs.
HOW DO DOGS GET PARVO?
Through direct contact with infected dogs or indirect contact with infected feces, Parvo is easily transmitted. Parvovirus thrives in the fecal environment of infected dogs. Healthy dogs can come into contact with the feces or anus of the infected dog and contract Parvovirus. Shoes or other objects can easily come into contact with infected fecal matter, bring the virus into the home or the dog’s environment, and transmit the disease. Parvo can also live in soil for over a year, posing a lasting threat to your dog’s health. Puppies are especially susceptible to Parvovirus, as are certain breeds.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS OF PARVO?
The only way to diagnose Parvovirus is to make a veterinary appointment for your dog. The veterinarian will test your dog for the virus and devise a treatment plan if your dog is infected. Watch for the following symptoms of Parvovirus, especially in puppies:
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Hypothermia or fever
- Inappetence
- Lethargy
- Bloody, severe diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Abdominal pain
- Depression
WHAT RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH PARVO?
There is no cure for Parvovirus, so infected dogs will need to be treated for infections and symptoms. Dogs typically require hospitalization when they contract Parvovirus. Parvo treatment is expensive and often difficult for dogs. This is why parvo vaccine for dogs is so important. Parvovirus can lead to bothersome, painful, or even deadly symptoms. It replicates in the bone marrow, lymphopoietic tissue, and small intestine, causing serious gastrointestinal and/or cardiac issues. Left untreated, Parvovirus is fatal.
WHAT IS THE BEST PARVO VACCINE FOR MY DOG?
Veterinarians trust and recommend the following Parvovirus vaccines:
- Canine Spectra – This line of vaccines is safe for use in puppies as young as 6 weeks old. Each one offers broad-spectrum disease protection, making them great parvo vaccines for dogs.
- Canine Spectra 6 – Protects against canine coronavirus, distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
- Canine Spectra 9 – Protects dogs from parvovirus, hepatitis, distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and four kinds of leptospira.
- Canine Spectra 10 – Distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis, leptospira (4 different types), and corona vaccine for dogs.
- Canine Solo Jec – Choose from this line of comprehensive vaccines for dogs and puppies (6 weeks or older).
- Canine Solo Jec 5 – Effective canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, and parvo vaccine for dogs.
- Canine Solo Jec 6 – Vaccinates against coronavirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus, hepatitis, distemper, and adenovirus type 2.
- Canine Solo Jec 9 – Protects dogs from canine distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and four types of leptospira.
- Canine Solo Jec 10 – Parvovirus, canine distemper, adenovirus type 1, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, leptospira (pomona, icterohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa, and canicola), and corona vaccine for dogs.
- Duramune – Useful for puppies starting at 6 weeks old, these vaccines offer benefits beyond Parvovirus protection.
- Duramune Max PV – Vaccinates against parvovirus.
- Duramune CvK – Protects dogs from canine adenovirus type 2, adenovirus type 1, distemper, parainfluenza, coronavirus, and parvovirus.
- Duramune Max PC – Works against canine coronavirus and parvovirus.
- Nobivac Canine 3-DAPv – This vaccine is safe for puppies starting at 7 weeks old. It protects against diseases caused by canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, and parvovirus. RSO Oil
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PARVOVIRUS VACCINATION?
Because Parvo is such a serious threat to puppies and young dogs, pet parents have many questions and concerns regarding prevention of this deadly virus. Some of the most frequently-asked questions are:
- What is a parvo vaccine for dogs? Vaccinations typically contain live or killed viruses. These carefully-developed vaccines work by causing your dog’s immune system to create antibodies. When your dog comes into contact with Parvovirus (or any other disease for which they have been vaccinated), those antibodies will fend off the virus or illness, keeping your dog healthy and preventing disease. The Parvovirus vaccine is often referred to as the DHPP or DHP parvo vaccine for dogs.
- Can a vaccinated dog get Parvo? Puppies require several rounds of Parvovirus vaccination to keep them protected. If a vaccine is missed or delayed, your puppy becomes susceptible to Parvovirus. Therefore, it is possible for vaccinated puppies and dogs to be infected with Parvo – but vaccinating your puppy starting at 6-8 weeks of age and again every 3-4 weeks until the age of 16 weeks should keep them safe and disease-free.
- How long is my dog protected after a Parvo vaccine? Puppies should be re-vaccinated every 3 to 4 weeks until they reach the age of 16 weeks. Higher-risk breeds may need to be re-vaccinated until they reach 22 weeks. After puppy shots are completed, bi-annual or annual (depending on your dog’s environment and lifestyle) may be indicated.
- What are the side effects of Parvovirus vaccines in dogs? Veterinarians strongly urge pet parents to vaccinate their dogs and maintain an appropriate vaccination schedule because extensive research has proven that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any potential risks. However, you should always monitor your pet after vaccinations. The most common vaccine-related side effects are mild, including:
- Injection site swelling or pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Sluggishness
- HivesA more severe reaction may occur, including anaphylactic shock symptoms. If seizures, difficulty breathing, collapse, severe lethargy, or facial swelling are observed, immediate veterinary attention should be sought.
- Can I buy a parvo vaccine online? Pet parents often wonder where to buy a parvo vaccine. It can be difficult to find a parvo vaccine for sale outside of your veterinarian’s office, but dromedaryville has you covered! We carry all the best Parvovirus vaccines, along with vaccines for many other canine diseases.
- What is a coronavirus vaccine for dogs? Coronavirus has seen its share of media attention for its effects on humans. However, coronavirus is very different in dogs, and dog vaccines are not safe for use in humans. Coronavirus is another intestinal infection afflicting dogs. Often, coronavirus vaccines for dogs also protect against Parvovirus. Corona vaccine side effects for dogs are the same as those for other vaccines (listed above).
- Where can I get a Parvo test kit to use at home? Allivet carries a number of effective test kits.