Parvo Labradoodle puppies

[Joy and Forest]

Does anyone know if you should or shouldn't buy from a breeder who's new litter of puppies all ended up with parvo? Someone at our local healthy pet store today told me puppies who got parvo are never the same. It damages their brains, she says. Help as I was considering purchasing one from this breeder! Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You have two separate issues here. One is whether a puppy who survives parvo is "never the same" and/or brain damaged, and the other is whether you should buy a puppy from someone who would allow her puppies to get parvo in the first place.

The first question is easy. A puppy who survives parvo is usually perfectly fine and grows up to be a perfectly normal dog. In fact, the fact that they survived parvo might mean that they have a super-strong immune system that enabled them to survive at all, since parvo is almost always fatal. Adina, the Doodle Kisses administrator, has a doodle who survived parvo as a very young puppy. She's perfectly fine, healthy, sweet, great with kids, everything you could ask for in a family pet. Boca is her name, go check out Adina's pictures. I am sure we have another member here whose puppy survived parvo as well.

The second question is not as clear cut. Most reputable breeders are very, very careful about not exposing their puppies to parvo. This is one reason that many breeders will not allow visitors to their premises, the fear of someone bringing in parvo on their shoes. It is very rare to hear of parvo in puppies from reputable breeders. 

So I would question whether this breeder is someone from whom you should buy a puppy even if they didn't have parvo. Assuming that they even survive, poor things.

Giving the benefit of the doubt, I guess it is possible that a good, reputable breeder could have someone unknowingly bring parvo in. If you have not already done so, please read What to Look for in a Breeder. If this breeder cannot measure up to all of these requirements, including proof of testing, run like the wind and find another breeder who can. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have read that there can be long term effects of parvo, not that this means there will be. Here is a quick article:

http://www.vetinfo.com/the-long-term-effects-of-parvo-in-dogs.html

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Wow, I never read that before. I had always heard that if they survived parvo, they were usually fine. That's scary.  I guess Boca is doubly lucky! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I had read something about it in the past, not this article. This is what I found on a quick search. Boca is lucky. I don't think I would buy a pup from this litter.

[Joy and Forest]

Thanks Karen and ladies! I will read the article here shortly as I've been busy with yardwork tonight. :-) I don't think it's worth the chance going through this breeder. He's supposedly reputable well per his website, but I will need to do further research on this one. I have a deposit on another puppy in Colorado so I may just stay put with her...she is a long time breeder and well-known. :-) I'll keep you posted!

[Ginny Nightingale]

My breeder has a friend who is a reputable breeder and just lost a whole litter to parvo--we puppy raisers live in fear of it--everyone who visits my pups put clean socks on and tucks their pants into the clean socks, then washed their hands before entering the room....parvo is becoming more prevalent up north then is was before so maybe people are being caught off guard? But it is very important to be careful--I have no idea if this would ALWAYS be a reflection on the breeder--i.e. being a careless caretaker of the pups..

[Joy and Forest]

Thanks Ginny! I spoke with the breeder to gather more information. And he said that they are home raised and he and his wife constantly bleach the floors and clean the potty areas thoroughly. He just shipped 3 puppies off this morning all who have fully recovered from parvo. He has been breeding since 2008 and only had one other case with one puppy. So, he couldn't believe this happened to him again. They were all over 8 weeks old when they showed signs. Supposedly there is no GI or cardiac problems as they've been all cleared from the vet. Being the reputable breeder he is, he lets everyone know about this and has had several buyers refuse the puppies. But he seemed sure that there would be no serious long term effects of this is why he's still selling them at the standard AL pricing. Should I still be weary?

[Sharae & Winston]

My puppy came down with parvo 2 days after we brought him home. He survived, barely, but it was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through. I had always thought of parvo as a death sentence, however, the emergency vet told me they actually have a fairly high success rate (with hospitalization) if caught soon enough. At the time I thought they were just trying to make me feel better...

The fact that that person told you parvo "damages their brains" sounds absurd. I almost take offense to that. Winston has proved to be incredibly bright and intelligent, and is consistently the best in his obedience classes. He is in CGC prep classes now. That person sounds like an idiot. I will say the only semi long-term effect he has had is soft stool, which the vet said will probably resolve itself when he is an adult (he's still only 6 months).

All of that being said, I would NEVER willingly get a puppy anywhere where you know there has been parvo puppies at all. Why take that chance when there are so many other options? It's just not worth it. Save your self the worry and possible heartbreak.

[Joy and Forest]

Thanks Sharae! I know it sounded a little crazy but this lady's mom is a vet tech and has experienced every possible case. I'm glad your pup is doing awesome! I'm still debating back and forth as to what to do? I spoke with the breeder this morning and he's convinced they are all okay now: he shipped 3 off this morning and I really think the one boy I'm looking at would be a great fit, but maybe I need to take your advice?!?! Confused. :-(

[Sharae & Winston]

I would definitely not buy one of these puppies! I find it very hard to believe that they are cleared of all problems, and if they are, that's not to say they won't have some in the next coming weeks/months. Winston had an array of problems those first 2 months after he got better and they were all from either being hospitalized or his immune system being so compromised. He was on antibiotics for weeks afterwards to ward off infection in his intestines and we had to continue to put him on and off of them just to stabilize his GI tract. Did the breeder even mention anything about antibiotics for the pups? How long have they been "better"? Unless you want the financial burden of dealing with trips to the vet and medicine I really would advise you to get one from another breeder.

[Lynette Main]

I WOULD NOT BUY FROM THEM!!!!!  When I was looking for a breeder,he had his puppies outside.I left...

[DANYELL]

Stella had parvo when she was 4 months old she is now 5 years old. She's doing fine. She doesn't have mental problems. Or any that we notice. The only thing we see is she's easily stressed out and she believes my bed belongs to her.