[skllkd]

Hey everyone,

So I have a 7 weeks old German Shepherd / Husky puppy, who had her 1 shot for Parvo vaccination at 6 weeks. I also have a 2 year old dog. So I’m trying to be careful to prevent an infection, as I’ve been told that even though my 2 yo dog is protected, he can still carry the virus. Every time I walk him outside I put little boots on him (he’s totally fine with them), and I spray bleach/water solution on the shoes (and mine) after our walk. This is for my 2 yo pup... the 7 weeks old puppy stays at home.

Today while walking my dog I got distracted, and for a second my dog sniffed a poop on the floor (not even the grass... the walkway - people in my neighborhood don’t always pick up after themselves). And of course now I’m panicking he’ll infect my little puppy. I tried to clean his nose with dish soap and bathing wipes... because I can’t use bleach on him.

I know I’m panicking a little bit... but everyone (specifically the vet) makes Parvo sounds so scary that I’m terrified with the idea my dog is now infectious. Anyway can tell me what are really the odds of your dog getting Parvo? My neighborhood is not the cleanest, yet I want to think that most people vaccinate their dogs. Can anyone help me?

 

[Cariboo Puppy]

Parvo is a nasty disease but unless it is running rampant in your neighborhood I do not think you need to panic over your dog smelling one pile of poop. If it was just normal looking poop it should not cause any problem. Have you taken your puppy back in for another shot? A shot at six weeks is a little early if they were still nursing off the mother. How old is the puppy now.

 

[DaySleepers]

Parvo risk varies greatly by region, so really I'd ask veterinary professionals in your area how common it is locally. And it is scary, so should be taken seriously.

That being said, parvo is not airborne. Your puppy can only get it by ingesting the virus, like if you picked it up on your shoes and she chewed on them (without bleaching). But since you're covering up your and your other dog's feet - the most likely places to pick up parvo from the outside environment - and cleaning those coverings well with bleach, I wouldn't worry too much. Frankly, in most places, just keeping your puppy away from areas of heavy dog traffic is usually enough, but if you're in a very high risk area I could see the extra measures being warranted, especially with such a young pup. Definitely keep up with her puppy vaccine schedule as she grows!

 

[Bluemoods]

Okay, Time to settle down. Parvo isn't some set of weird symptoms that makes your dog a monster then it dies and, it isn't an automatic, no cure, death sentence. What it is is sever vomiting an diarrhea that cause severe dehydration. If not treated as soon as symptoms start, it can lead to death but, if it's caught and treated early, it's a severe, think intensive care unit of the hospital worthy, case of the flu if you want it in human terms, like if a 90 year old, 98 pound woman got swine flu - bad news but it can be treated and survived with proper, early care.

Yes, be careful of it, but don't freak out over it, don't make the puppy and yourself miserable over parvo. Bleach is going a bit far, yes, I keep young pups to my property and, only my dogs are ever here so, it's safe enough. None of mine have ever had parvo, if they are carriers, it's never affected a pup here so, I assume none are carriers. I don't take them out other than to PetSmart and Tractor Supply, before they are 14 weeks old, 2 weeks after the second vaccine, then we go to places other dogs are walked but not dog parks or places pets run free until 18 weeks of age.