Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in puppies.
It’s often fatal, but there is a vaccine that can help protect your puppy from this illness.
If you’re considering getting a puppy, or you already have one, parvo is something that you’ll need to be aware of.
Here’s what you need to know about parvo in puppies.
What do puppy owners need to know about parvo in puppies?
Puppies are at risk for contracting parvo until they’re about 6 months old.
Puppies can contract the virus from other dogs or from their own feces, which is why it’s important to keep your puppy on a leash at all times when out in public spaces where there might be other dogs present.
Parvo symptoms include:
- High temperature (fever)
- Decreased appetite (anorexia)
- Diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus
- Vomiting (emesis)
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How often can you do a parvo shot?
You can give your dog a parvo shot as many times as needed, as long as he is healthy enough to tolerate it.
The best time to do this is when you are starting to see the symptoms of parvo in your dog, or when you notice them.
The vaccination needs to be done every two weeks.
If there are any signs that your dog has been exposed to parvo, it is important that you get him vaccinated immediately.
If your dog has been exposed to parvo, it may take some time for him to develop antibodies against the virus.
Therefore, it is not recommended that you wait until he shows symptoms before getting him vaccinated for parvo.
How much is a parvo shot for a puppy?
A puppy Parvo shot costs $50 to $75.
The exact cost of your puppy’s parvovirus vaccination will depend on where you take your dog.
Most veterinary clinics charge between $50 and $75 for a parvo shot, but some may charge more or less than that.
For example, the Humane Society of the United States suggests that you call around to see how much other clinics charge before making an appointment at one that’s more expensive than you want to pay.
You can also look online for coupons or discounts on your pet’s vaccinations at sites like PetCareRx or PetMed Express.
If you have questions about whether or not you should get your puppy vaccinated against parvovirus, talk with your veterinarian (or check out our article on Canine Parvovirus Infection).
Conclusion
Parvo in puppies can be difficult to diagnose, and it can lead to fatality in many cases.
If you’re a dog owner, especially one with a zealous interest in agility competitions or any other dog sport, then it’s best to closely monitor any different behavior that your puppy could exhibit.
Don’t ignore the possibility of parvo in puppies, because it is possible for vaccination against this deadly virus to fail.
