Parvo Parvo Parvo?

[JB]

Greetings Everyone,

Since we got our new puppy a few weeks ago I've heard all kinds of horror stories about Parvovirus. It sounds to me like this disease is everywhere and very common. I met one vet last week that is so concerned about the virus that she doesn't even take her own dog to the park.

Our little guy (Samson) is only 9 weeks old, he's had two sets of shots so far and even though he's had these shots my vet has suggested I don't take him to the park till he's had the full set of vaccinations.

We've had dogs in the past and we never even worried about this virus or heard much talk of it. Can anyone out there please tell me more about this disease. How is it spread and what precautions should I take? We live in the suburbs and there are plenty of dogs around here- should I not let Samson near any of them? I want my dog to be well socialized and not afraid of the world around him, but how do I do this if I can't take him out anywhere for fear he'll catch this disease?

Thanks,
JB

 

[EMWAZ]

I understand it is very contagious. It can be in your dirt or on pavement, if a dog that has been infected has been in that area. It is a very expensive disease to cure. If you want to socialize your dog, the only thing I can suggest is go to a place where the vaccination proof is required for all of the dogs. Its just not foolproof.

That's about all I know, luckily I've never had to deal with it.

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Babe, 1 1/2 yrs, dark brindle, natural ears, rainbow bridge 88
Buster, 12 1/4 yrs, fawn, natural ears, rainbow bridge 3/99
Pancho, 2 yrs, fawn, natural ears
Zoe, 4 yrs, boxer mix, red brindle (long nose), natural ears

Esther & Gary

 

[nanabear]

I know *exactly* what you mean, on the one hand - you are told that is a most important time to socialize your pup to people and places, and on the other hand you are told to keep them home and out of contact with all sources of possible contamination.
But!! DO IT!! We had a puppy die from Parvo before the last set of puppy shots was given.

One of the places we took or present dog, Mack, for little walks was to the cemetary........way out around the outer edges, after dark or very early. We figured there was less chance for contamination there from other dogs. We were discreet and had no problems for the few weeks we did it. Another place that seems to be safer than parks is the beach. In the area of California I live, the ocean is very cold and we have long stretches of beach that are not frequented by hoardes of people.
The vet also said, walking on sidewalk was safer than in grass and dirt areas.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

Tyson was 5 months old when we got him. He had never seen another human besides the people that owned him. He had not been socialized at all and you could tell. He is a little over 2 years and it still shows some what that he was not socialized as a young puppy. When I purchased my 2 females that was my main concern. I wanted them to meet everyone. I wasn't so much worried about parvo I guess as much as another dog just hurting them. So I took them everywhere in my car. They weren't around other dogs just people. They started obedience classes at 3 months and all owners had to show proof of vacinations for their dogs. So they started meeting other dogs after their shots were completed and it was with other dogs that had all their shots.

I know socialization is very important in a young puppy. But I guess it is hard to do when the puppy hasn't had all it's shots yet. Try taking your puppy with you to places where it will meet or at least see other people but wont have any contact with other dogs. One place I always took mine is when I would go pick up food through a drive thru. That way they could meet strangers but where safe in my car. I also took them to Persmart all the time but I would carry them (not thinking of diseases but afraid someone elses dog might bite them or jump on them). Also driving in high traffic areas helps. They can hear all the different noises and see the people in the car next to you. I would take mine down town. There is a college near by and lots of people walk around. My puppies would watch people cross the street in front of us and look in windows of cars in the next lane. Needless to say all 3 of my Boxers love to ride in the car and the whole time they are sitting up very alert and watching every little detail that goes on.

Just getting your puppy out of the house and away from it's usual surroundings will be very helpful at least until vacinations are completed.

Alisha - Indiana

 

[Jan]

Parvo can be nasty and the virus stays alive in the environment for up to a year. It is considered reasonably safe to take your puppy out and about once they have had their 2nd set of shots. I would still stay away though, from areas frequented by dogs until Samson has had his 3rd set of shots. Keep in mind that you can track the virus home on your shoes so it is important that you and your family stay away from these areas as well.

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Jan
Markus, dark brindle
neutered male, 6 yrs old

 

[Mac and Tigra's mom]

Been there done that! I know Just how hard it is to keep a young puppy in the house. you want to go places with him and you want to show him off I felt the same way. My vet was so STRICT about me not taking him anywhere. He was appalled that I had taken him to puppy play hour at the humane society.
I never went back after his lecture. Parvo can kill A puppie. it's better to be safe than sorry. you only have 3 more weeks to go.
If you can do it, keep him inside

 

[JB]

Thanks for the great advice you guys.

As much as Samson and all of our family would like to go the park, or the school behind our house, we will just have to stay around the yard with him until he grows up some more.

A steady stream of friends over here during the next month or two should help to socialize him. I've read all I can about Parvo and combined with what you've all told me, I have to agree, the risks are not worth it.

JB

 

[nanabear]

JB, if you really want to make yourself crazy about this............you need to be aware that anyone can pick up the virus from the ground and track it in on their shoes. That is why most people that do shelter work, wear washable shoes and remove them before being around their own dog(s). And of course disinfect their hands as well. Parvo is nasty stuff.