Transmitting parvo

[Kyoko]

There has been 2 separate parvo epidemics at the dog shelter I volunteer at. I am becoming concern that I may bring the virus home.... Both of my dogs are vaccinated for it, but if I go there to volunteer, will it be a chance that I may transmit the desease to my dogs?

[Georgette Lynn]

The best thing to do is get a foot bath for your house. Put is out side the door that you mosly go in after work. You can make your own by taking a take a litter box and a towle. and just out the towle in the box with a little of bleach and water. And just step in and want a few sec. You can want a min or so before you go in to the house. If you can can't your shoes off before you go in the house and let them sit with the bleach water that is ever batter.
They should also have foot bath at the shelter.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know a lot of people use those disposable paper shoe covers while they're at shelters. That seems like an easy solution to the problem, although I don't know how much they cost.

[Adina P]

I quit volunteering at my local shelter because (aside from the time commitment) I put myself through such a GRUELING decontamination process it just was too much. I, the epitome of germaphobia, do NOT belong in a shelter IF I have dogs at home. I just can't do it in a way that makes me feel safe and isn't so time consuming. It might be stupid, but so it is. I bought two pairs of shoes JUST for the shelter, I'd take a bleach-water bottle with me to spray down my shoes after my visit and then bag them up and put on my regular shoes before getting in the car. Then I'd sneak into the bathroom and unclothe and shower before meeting my dogs. I'm sure I didn't have to go to such lengths, but when dogs jump on you with sometimes poopy feet...what else can you do to prevent spreading things to YOUR dogs?

[Kyoko]

I was not sure how it was transmitted.... Eventhough my dogs are vaccinated, one is a senior dog and the other is still a puppy.... My son and I have not been going there for about 3 weeks now, because of this......
I feel bad for the dogs there, but I don't feel safe going ther right now.....

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I think the best way to get the correct answer is for someone to give their vet a call. I am under the assumption that if our dogs are vaccinated and we keep current on their shots, they can not get Parvo. Otherwise, the parks and beaches would be out of the question for us. As far as a puppy in the house who is not yet protected with it's shots, I would agree with all of you to stay away from all shelters, dog beaches and even dog parks. Our vet told us when Gracie was going through her shots to only walk her on concrete or asphalt (too hot for puppy paws). Parvo can still be there if someone with contaminated shoes just came through but it can't breed or grow on cement. Grass, dirt, shrubs and beaches are your worst enemy...other than an actual contaminated animal. Our vet did say that anyone who had a dog and had been to dog beach or a dog park should not come visit Gracie (while a pup) wearing the same clothing or shoes they had on during that time. So, Adina is correct in the shedding of clothing and shoes and possibly even the shower before encountering her Doodles. I am right there with her about being OC!!