08/01/2025
This is a long read but everyone should read it.
First call first thing this morning- puppy with parvo.
That makes the 4th parvo call this week.
4 out of 4 had not received a single parvo vaccination.
3 of the 4 didn't know that puppies should not go outside the home, walk on grass or dirt or be around other unvaccinated dogs until the pup has had 3 parvo boosters by 16 weeks of age.
1 out of 4 just received her free puppy 2 weeks ago which means it most likely already had parvo, and no vaccination would have stopped the virus.
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months of age are at the most risk to contract it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system and creates a loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and often severe, bloody diarrhea. Extreme dehydration can come on rapidly and kill a dog within 48-to-72 hours, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial. There is no cure, so keeping the dog hydrated and controlling the secondary symptoms can keep him going until his immune system beats the illness. Early intervention is crucial, and treatment is costly!
Parvo is preventable!!
🛑PLEASE READ IF YOU HAVE A NEW PUPPY, PLAN ON GETTING A NEW PUPPY OR CARING FOR A LITTER OF PUPPIES...
✅All pups under the age of 1 year need 3 parvo boosters at 3-to-4-week intervals. Most puppies begin vaccinations at 6-8 weeks old, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until they’re 16 weeks. Each round of shots strengthens their protection. A puppy starting at six weeks will typically need additional vaccines at 9, 12, and 16 weeks. After that, yearly boosters help maintain immunity. If you have to start your puppy's vaccination boosters a little late, late is better than never.
Ignorance is no excuse!
If you have a new puppy, a simple google search will give you all the information you NEED to know about bringing a new pup home. All the do's and don'ts are covered on literally thousands of pet sites, most by veterinarians. You can always contact us here at Paw Street as well. Local veterinarians, rescues and animal control staff are great sources for information as well.
PLEASE VACCINATE YOUR PETS. If your new puppy contracts parvo, WE CANNOT HELP with the vet bills as we do not provide assistance for puppies, kittens or even new adult pets.
While we have assisted with home care parvo packs from our veterinarians in the past, the dogs were all young adults and most had been vaccinated at least once. We have also paid for humane euthanasia for many parvo puppies that are too sick to save.
It breaks our hearts every time we get a call about a puppy suffering from parvo, and we have to say "no" to their request for assistance, even when we go out of our way to give the owners the best advice possible.
Parvo is one of the most brutal viruses out there. The amount of pain and suffering a puppy goes through before death is gut wrenching. Without early intervention, the youngest, most vulnerable puppies can die within the first 24 hours after onset of symptoms. Others suffer for 36 to 72 hours or more before they die if not treated immediately. Adult dogs have a much better chance at survival but only if they are otherwise healthy and have been vaccinated at least once when they were puppies and they receive treatment and fluids early.
This is not just a message for new pet owners. This message is for breeders as well. Whether your dog had a litter of pups intentionally on your part or it was an "accidental" litter, you are responsible for making sure every live puppy gets vaccinated and dewormed on time and as long as the puppies remain in your care.
If you cannot afford to vet a litter of puppies, please reach out to local rescue to see about surrendering the puppies and getting momma dog fixed. DO NOT be that person that allows unvaccinated or puppies with the parvo virus go to a new home.
Please contact the nearest low-cost vaccination clinic in your area and schedule an appointment for your new or adult pup today. Whether it's a new puppy or an adult dog- core vaccinations save lives. It is much cheaper to vaccinate your pets than it is to treat the virus or worse, pay to end a precious life.
Guide to Puppy Shots
https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/health-and-wellness/puppy-vaccination-schedule?utm_source=partnerize&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=1101l15926&utm_content=0&clickref=1011lBuF5Eew&utm_term=1011lBuF5Eew
