When you make the decision of keeping a pet, it becomes your responsibility to ensure that optimal care is provided to it. Your pet is your responsibility since it is completely dependent on you, which is why you need to ensure that all the measures are taken to keep your pet in the best form. Among the various pets that people like to keep, one that is highly popular is a dog. However, a lot of things need to be done to ensure that the dog maintains its health. One threat that looms over a dog is the parvovirus, and you need to ensure that your dog is protected from it.

What should you do?

Parvovirus is a contagious disease that can be life-threatening, so protection against it is essential. Various steps can be taken to ensure that the dog is provided with adequate protection:

• Vaccination: The first thing that you need to do is ensure that your dog is vaccinated. The first dose of the vaccine should be given at 6 to

8 weeks of age, following which boosters need to be given at an interval of three weeks till the puppy reaches the age of 16 weeks. Another booster dose is given when the dog is a year old. Adult dogs should be given boosters annually.

• Limit exposure: If your puppy has not been vaccinated against this disease, you need to make sure that it does not come in contact with other unvaccinated dogs. Avoid taking your dog to places such as pet stores or parks where it can come in contact with such dogs.

•  Frequent checkups: You should take your dog for regular checkups and vaccinations so as to ensure that any problems can be detected at the earlier stage. When you take your dog to a vet, do not leave it unattended as this can increase the risk of the dog incurring the disease due to contact with other dogs.

The parvovirus cannot be eradicated from the environment with ease. If you suspect the presence of the virus in your house or yard, you need to take some strict measures to kill it. You can make use of bleach for the purpose since disinfectants do not kill the virus. Ensure that thorough cleaning is done since the virus can survive on various items including the likes of carpets, floors, and shoes. If you have frequent contact with other dogs and you are unsure about whether they have been vaccinated, you need to change your clothes and shoes before you greet your dog so that you do not become a source of infection for it. Keep a close eye on your dog and if you notice any problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargic behaviour, take it to a vet since these are symptoms presented by a dog if it has contracted the parvovirus.

Summary

With a little bit of care, you can ensure that your dog is protected from this life-threatening virus. Therefore, ensure that you take all the right measures that would enhance the protection of your dog and ensure that it remains in optimal health. It would not require a lot of work on your part. All that you need to do is maintain hygiene and get your dog vaccinated on time. Keep in mind that having a pet was your decision, so now you need to abide by it. Refrain from exhibiting negligent behaviour that can land your dog in trouble and cost it its life.

Jarred Ladr

Content Writer at Paw Castle (www.pawcastle.com)

Paw Castle is pet website established in 2016 aiming to provide personal and professional pet advice for pet owners through product reviews, interviews with experts, how-to articles, videos and in-depth expert studies.