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Canine parvovirus—or parvo—is a potentially fatal illness that spreads to other dogs via feces. It can live in the soil for as long as two years, so even if the ground looks clean, it might not be safe for a dog to walk on. That’s one of the many reasons the professionals at O’Fallon Veterinary Medical Center, in Missouri, emphasize the importance of pet vaccinations. If you want to keep your dog safe from parvo, get in touch with these pet health specialists and ask about vaccinating your little buddy.

Essential Information for Dog Owners

When a dog with low immunity is infected with parvo, the virus attacks the intestinal lining. This causes vomiting and diarrhea, often causing pets to die from dehydration. Although there is a treatment option that’s effective at times, it’s not guaranteed to work, and it can be expensive. Typical costs range from $1,500 to $3,000.

Protecting Your Dog

Pet VaccinationIf you stay on top of pet vaccinations, you won’t have to worry about the threat of parvo. Your pet should be vaccinated for parvo in the form of a DA2PP vaccination starting around 8 weeks of age.  These are given to dogs at three– to four-week intervals until the pet reaches about 16 weeks of age.  They guard against parvo, distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), and parainfluenza. Once your dog has been through the whole puppy series of vaccinations, you can take them to the park without having to worry if the parvovirus is still lingering in the soil.  Parvovirus vaccination is >99.9% effective at preventing illness if your pet is properly vaccinated.  After the initial puppy series, you will need to have your dog boostered again in 1 year.

To schedule your appointment, get in touch with O’Fallon Veterinary Medical Center, offering compassionate and comprehensive animal health services to Missouri residents. While you’re there, ask them about the proper schedule for pet vaccinations, as most dogs require annual treatments to completely protect them from harm. Contact them online for more information, or call (636) 272-3100 to speak with a representative.

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