4 Tips To Help Protect Your Puppy From Parvovirus
As a new puppy owner, there are many things you can do to safeguard your puppy's health. Diseases, such as parvovirus, can have serious consequences if you do not take action to protect your dog. Due to the nature of parvovirus, it is important that you take action from day one. Here are some ways that you can protect your dog.
Limit Your Puppy's Travels
Although you might be tempted to take your puppy on trips outside of your home and yard, it is important that you limit your puppy's travels for the first few months. Parvovirus is a disease that is highly contagious and can easily be spread by your puppy coming into contact with a surface that has been touched by an infected dog.
If possible, keep your puppy at home and in your own yard. If there is a possibility that other dogs can get into your yard, consider limiting your puppy to only your home until it is a bit older. You can still take your dog walking, but try to avoid areas that are frequented by other dogs.
Get Your Puppy Vaccinated
Vaccinations play an important role in keeping your puppy healthy. Your puppy should receive its first parvovirus vaccination between 10 to 12 weeks old. After that, your puppy will need booster shots administered on a schedule agreed upon by your veterinarian.
Your vet can assess your puppy's immunity levels and determine when it is best to provide the booster. Parvovirus is a disease that can also impact older dogs, so as your dog ages, do not skip out on the booster shoots.
Use Bleach to Clean
Parvovirus can easily contaminate an area. If another dog has been in your home and you believe that it has contaminated it, clean your home immediately with bleach. Dilute the bleach and wipe every surface that the dog touched.
You can use disinfectants, but they are not as effective at getting rid of the virus as bleach. The virus can live on any surface, so if possible, try to avoid having dogs in your home that could potentially be infected with the virus.
Know the Symptoms
Early treatment of your puppy if it is infected with the parvovirus is important. Even if you have taken every precaution to protect your puppy, there is still a slight chance it can become infected. If your puppy has any of the early warning signs of the disease, take it to a vet like Moon Mobile Veterinary Services LLC.
Signs of an infection include vomiting and diarrhea. Your puppy might also appear to be lethargic.