It’s thrilling when a new fur member is taken into a household. However, this joyful moment might be a nightmare for many new pet owners. Parvovirus is very common in puppies and adolescent dogs, especially the unvaccinated ones. This infection can turn healthy, bushy-tailed, and playful pups extremely ill and even result in death when not treated as soon as possible.
Given that it’s a frequent occurrence in canines, avoiding it from taking place has to be the most prioritized concern of pet parents. So now, let us know how to secure your dog from the virus.
How to Protect Your Canine From Parvo
Parvo is an extremely transmittable and lethal virus that can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses to young canines when neglected. Another startling thing about the infection is its level of contagiousness and how it can affect a population of puppies. Doing preventative steps to avoid this infection is wiser than handling it once it infects your dog. Here are five easy ideas to keep your pet healthy and far from parvovirus.
1. Limit your dog’s exposure to other dogs
Fully vaccinated dogs are immune to parvo, but they could still be carriers of the infection, putting unvaccinated puppies in danger. If your canine isn’t fully vaccinated, avoid bringing them outside if not necessary. Instead, wait for your dog to get fully vaccinated before letting them play outdoors with their doggy pals to minimize their chances of contracting the virus.
Limiting your dog’s exposure to their fellows will help protect them from unexpected fights and accidents that may cause injuries or internal bleeding, which may require vet surgeons’ attention. If you’re in North Carolina looking for pet surgery professionals to employ, you may search the web for “veterinary surgeon near Knightdale, NC” to see accurate results.
2. Deworm your dog
Unvaccinated puppies and those with intestinal parasites have feeble immune systems. Worms can bring lots of unforeseen health issues and put them at a higher threat of contracting parvo due to their weakened immune system. By preventing worms in your canines, you are protecting them from parvovirus and health conditions that could be caused by it.
Ask your vet for the best heartworm medicines for your canine’s breed to shield them from intestinal worms. Additionally, bringing your pets to vets for dog routine care is always crucial to maintain their well-being and find out what illnesses disturb their health.
3. Visit your veterinarian
Immediately taking your dog to a vet upon suspicion that they have parvovirus is important. The infection can kill a canine within 24-48 hours of contraction. If your dog gets prompt care sooner, the greater chances they can survive the disease.
Some symptoms of parvo you must look out for are a loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. Seeing a professional that specializes in internal veterinary medicine is a reliable rule of thumb if you believe your pet struggles with the infection. Aggressive therapies are frequently warranted to ensure contagious illnesses like parvo are managed efficiently.
4. Vaccinate your puppy
Having your dog vaccinated helps protect them from the parvovirus. Dog parvo vaccination must be administered for pups at 6-8 weeks of age. This involves boosters every three weeks when sixteen weeks of age and boosters every three years. After the first three initial vaccinations, your dog will have immunity to the infection. Afterward, regular annual boosters should still be administered to ensure your pets maintain their resistance.
5. Keep your house clean
Though parvovirus is not airborne, it can still live on surfaces and can be difficult to remove. Deep cleaning your house with a solution of bleach is the best efficient method as ordinary soaps and disinfectants can’t eliminate the virus.
