Vet Shares Advice On Keeping Your Pets Safe From Parvo
By: Alex Hayes
Updated: May 16, 2012
Dr. Janice Price with the Windmill Animal Hospital knows first hand the effect Parvo has on puppies and young dogs, and warns the only way to truly protect them from the virus, is with a vaccine.
"Pets that are at risk are dogs under one year of age and any dog that hasn't been properly vaccinated," explains Dr. Price.
Once your dog comes down with Parvo, the virus spreads quickly and treatment can put a heavy burden on your bank account.
"The treatment for Parvo involves hospitalization," says Dr. Price. "It can be $500 for the first day and $250 each day after that and there is no guarantee your pet will survive."
According to Dr. Price, 80% of dogs that come down with Parvo will not survive the virus if it isn't caught quickly.
"The good news is the chances of them getting Parvo are very very slim," explains Dr. Price.
She advices to avoid high risk areas, which include dog parks, pet stores, or anywhere near a multitude of other dogs.
"The earlier you start treating the puppy with Parvo, the better your chances are of getting him through it," says Dr. Price.
According to Dr. Price, the first signs of a potential Parvo infection is lethargy and a lack of appetite.
"Sometimes he is so lethargic the owner might think the pet has been poisoned," explains Dr. Price. "He commonly will start throwing up time after time, and then the bloody stole starts."
Dr. Price says the most common breed to come down with Parvo are Pitbulls.
Connect with Windmill Animal Hospital:
Windmill Animal Hospital
2 Windmill Circle
(325) 698-8387
Monday - Saturday
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