PARVO VIRUS
ParvoVirus is one of the deadliest diseases of the dog world, especially among
puppies. It mainly attacks the growing intestine of young puppies, killing vital cells
that absorb nutrients. Severe fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to
death.
Parvovirus is spread through contact with feces containing the virus, which can
survive 5 months or longer in the right conditions.
Until your puppy has completed his vaccinations, avoid taking him to doggy day-
cares, parks, truck stops or places that he may come in contact with feces from
other dogs.
VACCINATIONS
Puppy shots are an important step in having a healthy happy puppy.
Puppies are not naturally immune to disease. They receive some antibody
protection from the first milk produced by the mother the first 48 hours after birth.
The puppy only receives antibodies against diseases the mother has recently been
vaccinated against or exposed to.
The age at which a puppy can be effectively immunized or protected by a vaccine
depends upon the amount of antibodies received by the mother. High levels of
maternal antibodies in the puppy's bloodstream will not let the vaccine immunize the
puppy. The maternal antibodies stay in the puppy's bloodstream for a number of
weeks. There is a period of time called the "window of susceptibility" when the
maternal antibodies are to low to protect against disease, but to high to allow a
vaccine to work. This is the time when even vaccinated, a puppy can still get the
disease.
The length and timing of the window of susceptibility is different in every litter, and
even between puppies in the same litter. By using a high titer vaccine and an
aggressive vaccination protocol, we can make this window of susceptibility as small
as possible. It is best to work with your veterinarian on a vaccination schedule that
is best for your individual puppy and area.
It is recommended that the core vaccinations for dogs include distemper, canine
adenovirus-2 (hepatitis and respiratory disease), canine parvo virus-2, and rabies.
A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus
cough and hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination
vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus.
The recommended protocol is to begin vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age, and
revaccinate every 3 weeks until the puppy is 16-20 weeks of age. A booster is given
at one year of age and every 1-3 years thereafter.
Vaccines do not produce immunity immediately after administration. Disease
protection does not begin until five days after vaccination. Full protection from a
vaccine usually takes up to fourteen days.
