If you have a puppy, you’ve probably already been given a general idea of what parvovirus is. The condition is potentially deadly and can be extremely dangerous in your puppies, but it is, thankfully, very easily preventable.
Parvo first came about in the 1970s, transmitted through the vomit or feces of dogs. It is only transmittable between dogs and poses the greatest risk to puppies, with the risk reducing the older a dog gets.
Common symptoms of parvo include:
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Bloody diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
These symptoms require immediate vet attention if your puppy has them. Luckily, there is a vaccine against parvo that is relatively inexpensive and easily accessible. These shots are typically administered between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks, with repeated shots provided every two or three weeks until your dog hits the age of 4 months. Bigger breeds may receive shots up till the age of 6 months because they have a higher risk of Parvo.
Prevention is truly crucial for preventing Parvo. If your puppy develops the dangerous disease, treatment can cost up to $3000, and it may not be sufficient to save their life. Talk to your vet about vaccinating for parvo!
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