Our biggest concern with new dogs coming into rescue is whether they have been properly vaccinated for rabies, distemper and parvovirus. Unfortunately, parvovirus is on the rise in the U.S. and as more vaccine skepticism takes root, the incidence of parvo has been growing. Over 900 dogs a day are diagnosed in the U.S. with this deadly disease. There are more cases in the South, although there is a higher incidence of disease found across the Central States as well. Whatever state you are in, one with high or low cases, immunization is critical.
NGPR had two dogs diagnosed with parvo virus in Kentucky this month within 24 hours of each other. We were notified about Buddy the puppy (left) on Dec. 15, when his owner couldn’t afford his treatment. We learned about Kami (below), on Dec. 16. Kami is a seven-month old who came into rescue with three of her litter mates early in December. Her owner didn’t vaccinate the dogs because “she was going to keep them”. Thankfully the other dogs have tested negative for Parvo.
Buddy received injections of Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody which probably saved his life. He was hospitalized for 3 days. Kami was put on an IV cocktail of fluids and hospitalized for two days. The cost to Rescue was almost $5,000—$1500 for Buddy and $2300 for Kami. Without emergency care, the chances for these dogs’ survival would have been slim.
Elanco (maker of the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody) has a website with updates to the ParvoTrack state map above where you can notify them about cases.
Please protect your dogs by following the recommended vaccination schedule. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends (AVMA) the following vaccine protocol be followed for protection against parvovirus:
- The first vaccine is administered at 6-8 weeks of age, followed by boosters every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks or older.
- Puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine at or after 16 weeks of age, no matter how many doses they received earlier.
- To protect adult dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog’s parvovirus vaccination is up to date with vaccinations at three-year levels.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommend: vaccination starting at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks or older, followed by a booster at 6 months or one year of age, then vaccination at three-year intervals.
Adult dogs who have received those core puppy shots be revaccinated a year after the last puppy vaccinations, and every three years thereafter. This is a somewhat reduced schedule from decades ago, when most veterinarians would recommend giving all the core vaccines to every adult dog annually (and a few old-timers still do!).
There are titers available that can indicate the dog’s level of protection against canine parvovirus, but these are relatively expensive and may cost more than vaccination. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended prevention program for your dog.
Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congregate. This includes pet shops, parks, puppy classes, obedience classes, doggy daycare, kennels, and grooming establishments. Reputable establishments and training programs reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations, health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppies and dogs. Puppies that have received at least one vaccine prior to attending puppy socialization classes are not at greater risk of infection, as long as good practices are followed. Contact with known infected dogs and their premises should always be avoided.
Finally, do not let your puppy or adult dog come into contact with the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing outdoors. Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is important to limit spread of canine parvovirus infection and other diseases that can infect humans and animals.
