Parvo
German Shepherd puppies, Malinois puppies, all puppies and older dogs can contract a deadly disease called Parvo.
Parvo is a virus that attacks your puppy’s intestinal tract and eats away at the lining. There is no cure for Parvo, only treatment for secondary infections and treating symptoms.
Parvo is deadly and you must NOT wait to take your puppy or dog to the vet when you see these symptoms:
1. Loss of appetite
2. Diarrhea
3. Lethargy
If your puppy or dog is diagnosed with this disease, it is VERY important to keep your puppy hydrated as best as you can. IV fluids, Pedialyte, anything to help your puppy through the 72 hour danger stages.
There is new research suggesting that fecal replacement therapy is actually raising the number of survival rates in puppy’s and dogs.
Here in a article you can read about the transplant therapy.
Preventing Your Dog from Getting Parvo
1. Do not take your puppy outside on walks until they have had their 3 sets of shots They should be scheduled as:
a. 8 weeks
b .12 weeks
c.16 weeks of age
Any shots given prior to 8 weeks are ineffective because the puppy is still working with his/her mothers immune system from the breast milk. Some breeders give a Parvo shot prior to 8 weeks, but they should not be counted as part of your 3-set series.
2. Keep spray bottles at all doors to your house to spray your feet down before entering your home with dirty shoes. Parvo is mostly brought in by feet and digging. Your spray bottle should have 3 parts water 1 part bleach. Bleach is the only thing that kills parvo.
3. Make sure the other dogs in your house have clean feet by using wipes to clean them before they enter.
4. When you take your puppy to the vet do not put your puppy on the floor! They can pick up Parvo from the ground.
5. When your puppy goes in your yard to go potty make sure they do not dig and you have sprayed your yard down with Lavender 256 solution. Please read the instructions for use.
These are steps to keep your puppy and older dog safe from this deadly disease.