Parvo is a fatal disease, but it is a heartbreak that can be prevented.
Cheryl Miller with the Summers County Animal Control and Welfare Project said the animal welfare organization sees more of the dreaded “P” word than they want. Rescue volunteers don’t even like to say the word “Parvo,” she explained, because it is expensive to treat, remains highly contagious and if left untreated or undetected early Parvo kills.
Miller said ACWP is asking anyone adopting a puppy, or if someone they know has a litter of puppies, to please make sure they vaccinate.
“Three simple vaccinations in the first 10-12 weeks of a puppy’s life can save a thousand dollars of treatment, and we just can’t say it enough,” Miller said.
Parvo is a very contagious virus that attacks the lining of the intestines of dogs and puppies.
“Left untreated,” Miller emphasized, “90% of dogs and puppies will die. The only prevention is vaccination. Puppies must be vaccinated every two weeks for six consecutive weeks to be fully protected.”
Parvo vaccinations should be administered when pups are between 6-8 weeks old, again between 8-10 weeks, and again between 10-12 weeks of age. But that’s not all. Miller emphasized, “dogs need boosters every year, 5-way boosters, to prevent all kinds of potential health issues, including dog herpes.”
Shots are available through pharmacies and farm supply stores and through veterinarian visits, and more detailed information is readily available to those willing to administer shots to their own pets. These preventive vaccines are needed in addition to regularly updated rabies vaccinations.
The disease, Miller said, usually starts showing up in puppies when they start weaning. Prior to that, “puppies are protected by their vaccinated moms. Dogs having puppies should have been vaccinated,” Miller said.
Miller stated a couple of their fostering environments have been contaminated by parvo. Volunteers “take a puppy in, and all of sudden the puppy won’t eat or isn’t happy. When the pup shows no interest in playing and won’t eat, treatment is required, from IV fluids to antibiotics and antiviral medications. The cost of such treatment generally ranges from $800 to $1,000,” Miller said.
Once contaminated with parvo, said Miller, “decontaminating requires bleach indoors and out and it takes up to four months before a volunteer can foster again.”
Parvo is transmitted through feces and germs can last for four months. Pets of foster volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated with secure and good records and a nice environment must be available for fostered dogs, she continued.
“Fostering is invasive. When you put pets in your home or your kennels you want it to be safe. Protecting your own pets while inviting others in, even for a short period of time, you need to be sure your dog is up-to-date, with records, on all shots.”
For those who have considered microchipping pets, Miller said ACWP is planning to participate in Second Saturday’s upcoming flea market on Saturday, April 17, event at the Hinton Freight Depot. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and for $20 each, dogs and puppies can be microchipped.
