After my pet had a long, drawn-out battle with cancer, I realized that I needed to do a better job with understanding my pet's needs. I wanted to be there for them no matter what, so I started focusing on my other animals. They needed more love, attention, and medical care, so I focused on those things. I started taking them in for regular checkups and working on their physical appearance. I was able to spot a few other potentially catastrophic health conditions with my animals because of my actions. This blog is all about understanding your pet's needs.
Understanding Your Pet's Needs
5 Ways To Prevent Parvovirus
Gisele Pereira
Canine parvovirus is a viral disease that has serious consequences, including death. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted through animals, people, and even objects that have touched infected feces. To help keep your puppy healthy, it is important that you take action to prevent the disease.
Get Your Puppy Vaccinated
Ideally, your puppy should receive its first pet vaccinations when it is six to eight weeks old. The vaccinations offer protection from parvovirus and other health conditions. After the first set of vaccinations, your puppy should receive additional vaccinations at three to four-week intervals.
If your puppy is not old enough to be vaccinated or has not had them yet, limit its exposure to other dogs. After the first vaccinations are administered, continue to limit exposure until after the next set of vaccinations.
Clean Your Home With Bleach
The parvovirus can live on surfaces that have come in contact with infected dog feces. To limit the chances that your puppy might get infected through touching these objects, clean any areas that you think are contaminated with diluted bleach. Soaps and disinfectants are usually not effective in killing the virus.
Carry Your Puppy
When your puppy is in public areas carry it to limit the possibility that exposure to the virus occurs. This is especially important when you are at the veterinarian's office. While in the vet's office, keep your puppy in your lap to keep it off the ground on which infected dogs might have been.
Change Clothes Immediately
If you work with dogs, change your clothes and shoes as soon as you arrive home. The virus could have traveled home on your clothing and shoes. If possible, wash the clothes immediately to further limit the possibility of exposure to the virus.
Know the Symptoms
If you suspect that your puppy has the parvovirus, it is imperative that you seek treatment immediately. Early treatment of the condition is important to increasing the likelihood that your puppy recovers. Symptoms of the viral disease include bloody diarrhea, lack of energy, fever, and loss of appetite. Your puppy might also experience rapid weight loss and vomiting. It is possible for your puppy to only have one symptom and still have the virus.
Talk to your puppy's vet to learn other steps you can take to protect it from the viral disease. He or she can also offer screening for the disease and help you assess the chances that your puppy will be infected.
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