Should I be worried about the Parvo virus??

[Janel and Sophia]

My DH and I are expecting.. rather waiting to get Sophia on the 10th of August.  In every book, blog and post I have ever read, Parvo is a real threat to a puppy and it should be kept well away from where another dog has been, till shots are complete..

Here is my situation....  My previous dog (Fozzie) who passed away in April, was just about every where in my yard and had free run of the house, so keeping Sophia  from sniffing where another dog has been, will be next to impossible!!!  Because we travelled a great deal, Fozzie was always up todate on shots, worming, flea/tick meds and had a titer test every year.   

Should I worry?  or is it okay to take her out in our yard?   I like to think that I keep my house in immaculate condition and according to my grandkids, my  favourite pass time is cleaning, so I think my floors and carpets are clean enough, as the house is only 2 years old.  Not sure how long another animal's scent lingers in a home... even though I have done numerous cleanings?

Would love to hear suggestions and/or comments on what I should be doing to keep Sophia, Parvo free!!!

 

[Janel and Sophia]

Thanks Traci I was hoping for all positive answers and I did get the reassurance I needed. Funny how you think of these things late at nigh and they get you wondering. Guess that is why my nickname is "Nervous Nellie"....LOL

[Dori & Rua]

You have gotten good advice. From what I read, the virus can live an extremely long time...even through huge weather changes. But, since Fozzie didn't have Parvo and you haven't let other dogs in the yard, you should be safe. Birds can carry it though, so I wouldn make sure my yard isn't a bird paradise (feeders, bird baths). I took Rua all over the place before she was fully immunized. But I carried her or put her in the cart (she is a mini also, and she actually fit in a big purse). Can't wait to see more pictures. I bet you are so excited.

[Adina P]

If your previous dog was healthy I think you'll be fine. Lots of people bring in puppies into a household that already has a dog or two. Dogs that are not quarantined for 2 months. But I totally understand the worry as I was paranoid about this.

[Jess and Pippin]

HI Janel. Check with your vet, as the incidence of parvo (and other diseases) vary by region. Also, not just dogs can track the virus on feces, but racoons and other critters too. Your backyard should be fine, especially since Fozzie was up to date on all his vacc's. We took Pippin out into the world before all his vaccinations were finished, but avoided grassy areas frequented by dogs and other critters (like schoolyards, parks etc). I did take him to puppy class before his vaccinations were completed (with my vet and trainer's blessings) but washed down his paws well when we got home. (I used antibacterial wipes then washed with soap and water, then rinsed really well. A bit of a pain, but worth it). Our previous dog had complications with vaccinations, and my vet is holistic (usual therapy as well as Chinese, chiropractic, homeopathic therapies) and had Pippin on an extended schedule for vaccinations. We chose to take him to puppy class prior to receiving all his vacc's as the risk of him getting Parvo was far less than some issues we were having with training/socialization. Parvo where we live is really low, and again, this was an informed decision made with the advice from our vet, who knows us well and who we trust. Our trainer uses the same vet and was also aware. Another thing to remember, after first vacc, the risk of serious complications decreases compared to no vacc.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I think your yard is a safe place for Sophia. I also encourage you to check with your vet about the prevalence of Parvo in your area. Also it seems there are occasional "outbreaks" of the disease when it becomes much more likely that a dog can contract it. When Tara first came home at 8 weeks there was a local outbreak of Parvo in the shelters, etc. in this area. The vet wouldn't even let her come into the clinic. He came to our house or out to the car to give her her shots.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I think your yard should be safe as long as your last dog was not sick. We ALWAYS pick up our potty immediately after they go ALWAYS. They are right about the socializing part, be careful and play it safe in a cart or on a bench like suggested. Good luck!

[Denise & Sophie]

Rick, thanks for your response. The lab is only walked in their neighborhood and when I said something to my DIL she looked parvo up and I know they all think I am over reacting. She asked me if I ever heard of any dog in our area getting parvo. I haven't, but then again how would I know. I don't know every dog owner around here. I wish I had posted this yesterday because while I was uptown today she had the dog here so the damage is already done and I am now the "crazy soon to doodle mom.."

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Well, there are a bunch of "crazy doodle moms" here on DK ready to welcome you with open arms!! You are NOT alone!! LOL! All you can do is your best and it sounds like you are definitely on it!! I think the odds are slim that the lab brought something to your property and remember the paw wiping advice came from a crazy
AND neurotic doodle mommy! :)