To vaccinate or not to vaccinate, that is the question.
We at the San Juan Animal League hear this all the time. Everyone knows that they must vaccinate their pets for rabies because it is the law. But when it comes to those "other" vaccinations, well.... Of all the communicable dog diseases in this area, PARVO reigns supreme. You very rarely hear of rabies or distemper outbreaks in this area, but parvo cases are rampant. Already this year the San Juan Animal League has had so many people asking for assistance because their dog has parvo. Treatment can be expensive, but the disease is easily prevented with one simple vaccination a year.
Canine parvovirus or CPV is an intestinal disease that can cause a rapid death especially in puppies and older dogs. Within two weeks of exposure, dogs will show the following symptoms:
Loss of appetite
Elevated fever
Massive dehydration
Vomiting and diarrhea
Lethargy
Depression
Vomiting may be severe and repeated. Diarrhea may vary from loose and runny stools to tight projectile-like stools with bloody discharge. Once these symptoms occur seek immediate help. Waiting could mean the death of the dog.
The treatment for parvo is not a quick fix. Veterinarians will provide intravenous fluids and electrolytes to counteract dehydration, medication to relieve intestinal cramping, and an antibiotic to prevent secondary bacterial infections. The sooner it is caught, the better the chance the dog has of surviving the virus.
American Humane Society

Do you take your dog for a walk around the block, a walk in the park, to visit a friend's dog, or a run in the hills? With so many unvaccinated animals in this area, chances are a dog carrying parvo, or a human carrying it on their shoes has passed by, and your dog could be the unlucky recipient of the virus. Parvo can be spread dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with infected fecal material. People may contribute to the spread of the virus by carrying infected material from place to place on their shoes. In addition, the soil, cages, and runs can become infected with the virus as well. It takes up to a year for the virus to disappear from the soil, unless the top 5-10 inches of soil are removed. The virus is resistant to temperature extremes, and therefore, is a threat year-round. In order to prevent further spreading the virus, wash your infected clothing in hot water with bleach and preferably throw any infected shoes away after clean up.

The simplest and easiest way to prevent parvo is to vaccinate your dog yearly. There are 3 ways to get the vaccination in this area; 1) visit your veterinarian's office; 2) come to one of the SJAL low-cost rabies clinics; or 3) purchase the vaccination from one of the local feed stores. The later means that you must administer the shot yourself. If you choose the third route, keep the receipt and information, if proof is needed. Most veterinarians require an animal to be vaccinated before any procedures are performed; all groomers and kennels require proof of vaccination, and for the safety of your pet and others, the right answer is to spend the money to get the Distemper 5-way Combination Vaccination which includes parvo.

Be smart, and spend a little money now. It's your choice; a few dollars yearly or hundreds of dollars and the chance of losing your best friend to a painful virus. Vaccinate regularly and help keep the wonderful dogs of this area healthy and happy.


REMEMBER TO GET US OUR VACCINATIONS!!!!!!