If you’ve welcomed a dog into your home, congratulations! One of the best ways to keep your furry friend healthy is to stay current on vaccinations, including the parvovirus vaccine in Mandeville, LA.
Parvo is a very common infectious disease in dogs. It is particularly dangerous for puppies and certain breeds, including labradors, rottweilers, German shepherds, and Doberman pinschers. The parvo vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect your pet.
Whether you’re looking for parvo booster shots or wondering when to vaccinate puppies for parvo, VetNaturally can help. We provide high-quality pet care, including parvovirus immunization for canines. Call today (985) 718-9991 to schedule an appointment.
Why Dogs Need the Parvo Vaccine
Commonly known as parvo, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a potentially fatal virus that attacks dogs’ intestines and immune systems. In puppies, it can also damage the heart muscle. While most dogs recover with early detection and intervention, treatment may involve several days of hospitalization.
A highly contagious virus, parvo spreads via contact with infected dogs, their feces, or contaminated surfaces like leashes and bowls. An infected dog can spread the disease to other dogs in your household or community.
For this reason, many local doggie daycares, boarding facilities, and groomers require the parvovirus vaccine in Mandeville. Following the recommended parvo dog vaccination schedule helps keep your pet safe from illness while also protecting other dogs.
Symptoms of Parvovirus
The signs of parvovirus vary by pet and by infection severity. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Lethargy or depression
- Lack of appetite
- Sudden high fever
- Severe diarrhea, often bloody
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain and bloating
Parvovirus is only one reason your dog may experience these symptoms. Your veterinarian will run several tests to diagnose the cause and provide proper treatment.
Prompt attention is important, so call us as soon as possible. Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, while bloody stools could indicate intestinal hemorrhaging. In many cases, early veterinary treatment is essential for survival.
Treatment of Parvovirus
Once your pet is infected, we cannot cure the virus. However, your vet can provide supportive care to manage symptoms. Severe infections often require immediate hospitalization and 24/7 monitoring.
Treatment includes the following:
- Providing intravenous fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients
- Controlling nausea and pain
- Preventing secondary infections
- Performing blood transfusions when necessary
Most dogs recover from parvo infection as long as aggressive treatment begins early.
Parvo Vaccine Schedule
Because parvo can affect any dog, veterinarians consider this a core vaccine. We often administer it as part of the combination vaccine (DAPP or DA2PP) that protects against other common viruses.
The puppy parvo vaccination schedule (for dogs under 16 weeks) is as follows:
- First dose between six and eight weeks of age
- Two more doses two to four weeks apart
- A booster one year after the last dose in the initial series
The vaccination schedule for unvaccinated dogs older than 16 weeks (or with an unknown health history) is as follows:
- Two doses two to four weeks apart
- A booster one year after the last dose in the initial series
After that, the adult dog parvo vaccination schedule recommends a booster every three years for dog health maintenance.
Parvo Vaccine Side Effects
As a pet owner, worrying about vaccine side effects is natural. Thankfully, veterinarian-administered vaccines are safe for most dogs. Vaccine side effects are usually mild, including swelling at the injection site, tiredness, decreased appetite, and mild fever.
Severe parvo vaccine reactions are rare. Contact your veterinarian if the side effects above last longer than a few days or if your pet seems particularly uncomfortable. Seek immediate attention if your dog shows concerning signs of parvo vaccine reaction, including facial swelling or severe coughing.
Have More Questions? Contact Us Today!
At VetNaturally, your pet is our top priority. As a holistic veterinary practice, we are happy to answer questions on various topics, including common puppy diseases and prevention, canine vaccinations vs. natural immunity, and natural immunity boosters for dogs.Contact us or call (985) 718-9991 today for more information or schedule your parvovirus vaccine in Mandeville, LA.
