Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a very serious and dangerous disease that affects dogs, especially puppies. Puppies under one year of age are at the highest risk because their immune systems are still developing. Parvo spreads very easily and can make a healthy puppy extremely sick in just a few days.
Parvo is spread through contact with infected dog feces (poop) and contaminated surfaces. Dogs can catch the virus by sniffing or licking the ground, grass, shoes, food bowls, toys, leashes, or floors that have been exposed. The virus is very strong and can live in the environment
for months, even after regular cleaning. This makes it easy for dogs to be exposed anywhere other dogs have been.
Common signs of parvo include:
- severe vomiting
- bloody diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- fever
- weakness
- dehydration
Many dogs become very weak and can quickly lose weight and fluids. Without fast medical care, parvo can lead to serious complications and death.
Treatment for parvo is intensive and costly. Most dogs need to stay in the hospital for several days to receive IV fluids, medications, and constant care. Treatment costs are often thousands of dollars. Even with treatment, some puppies may not survive. Without treatment, the risk of death is extremely high, especially for young puppies.
The Parvo vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect dogs. Puppies need a series of shots, followed by booster vaccines as adults. Vaccinating your dog is far less expensive than treatment and can prevent serious illness and heartbreak.
Keeping your dog fully vaccinated helps protect your pet, other dogs, and your community. Vaccination is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your dog healthy and safe.
Call us at (602) 395-9773 today to schedule your dog's vaccines!
