Hi,
I had a bad experience with Parvo last year and lost a young pup. I
think my pup may have been infected when I brought her home.
I intend to wait until twelve months have passed before trying again.
I would appreciate any advice you might give to avoid going through the
same thing again.

Ozark

I had a bad experience with Parvo last year and lost a young pup. I
think my pup may have been infected when I brought her home.
I intend to wait until twelve months have passed before trying again.
I would appreciate any advice you might give to avoid going through the
same thing again.

Adopt a puppy from a local shelter or breeder who can give you vaccination
histories of the puppies and mother (if available from the shelter). These
vaccination certificates or histories should be from a local veterinarian.
In other words, from a source unlikely to be fraudulant for your own peace
of mind.

If reputable vaccination histories are not offered, walk away.

On Sun, 30 Jan 2005 16:00:56 -0500, "Sharon too"
wrote:

Adopt a puppy from a local shelter or breeder who can give you vaccination
histories of the puppies and mother (if available from the shelter). These
vaccination certificates or histories should be from a local veterinarian.
In other words, from a source unlikely to be fraudulant for your own peace
of mind.

If reputable vaccination histories are not offered, walk away.

I don't know how many shelters can offer any verifiable vaccination
history. The local shelter gives almost zero vaccinations, and usually
doesn't pass on verifiable shot records (or even AKC registrations
[which aren't much more than ego boosters]).

Many breeders, principally "back yard breeders" administer their own
vaccinations. I consider those vaccinations invalid--and so does my vet.

Half way decent shelters make a real effort to fight parvo through
intake screening (at which time, symptoms might not be apparent),
monitoring, and via proper cleaning procedures. None of this is any sort
of guarantee, of course, but I wouldn't pass up the right opportunity.

"Free replacement, if..." is the best warranty most top quality breeders
provide; and so do top quality shelters.
"Only two things are infinite, the Universe and human stupidity, and I'm
not sure about the former."
Albert Einstein

On 30 Jan 2005 12:50:40 -0800, "Ozark" wrote:

I had a bad experience with Parvo last year and lost a young pup. I
think my pup may have been infected when I brought her home.
I intend to wait until twelve months have passed before trying again...

I'm sorry about your loss, and yes, I'm sure it was infected when it
arrived.

For puppies, with their under developed immune systems, parvo is a
deadly threat. Once diagnosed, even the most intense treatment, is often
inadequate.

If you are waiting for a year to pass, in hopes the virus will be gone,
I think you might be deceiving your self. In other words, I wouldn't
count on it. I would, however, count on a puppy that had received his
first round of shots and appeared to be in good order.

Can a vaccinated puppy contract parvo? Well, what happens if the
exposure to parvo happens just before the vaccination, and the puppy
hasn't had time to build up a titer? Infection? Or is it a race between
virus and vaccine? I think the race is on.
"Only two things are infinite, the Universe and human stupidity, and I'm
not sure about the former."
Albert Einstein

I don't know how many shelters can offer any verifiable vaccination
history. The local shelter gives almost zero vaccinations, and usually
doesn't pass on verifiable shot records (or even AKC registrations
[which aren't much more than ego boosters]).

That's too bad. The two nonprofit shelters here as well as the county
sponsored SPCA only adopt out spayed/neutered and vaccinated pets with
certificates. Pets too young to spay are given a voucher to use with the vet
when the time comes. The shelters use the local vets on a rotating basis at
drastically reduced and sometimes no cost and are vigilant about keeping
records.

Many breeders, principally "back yard breeders" administer their own
vaccinations. I consider those vaccinations invalid--and so does my vet.

As they should. Our clinic does have a couple wonderful breeders as clients
and they are also excellent record keepers. And they don't vaccinate at
home.

That's why it's best not to make quick decisions when adopting a pet. Tour
facilities, ask lots of questions, check credentials. And ask vets if they
know of any pets needing homes. Sometimes we have clients pets who have
become homeless due to elder death or hospitalization. And sometimes our
clients have an unexpected litter to adopt out, which we would only
recommend if they were well known clients for whom we had vaccinated the
pups. Lots of options, and never a reason to rush.

-Sharon

Micheal and Sharon,
Thanks for your advice. This spring I'm going to find a new pup and it
looks like proper vacinations are a must. Any ideas on a reasonable age
at which I should expect vacinations?

Ozark

On 31 Jan 2005 10:33:54 -0800, "Ozark" wrote:

Micheal and Sharon,
Thanks for your advice. This spring I'm going to find a new pup and it
looks like proper vacinations are a must. Any ideas on a reasonable age
at which I should expect vacinations?

I'm not sure, but I think the first round of shots can happen at six or
eight weeks--maybe younger. My vet likes to wait until six months for
rabies shots. There are several vaccinations that can be administered to
your dog, based on special needs. Because I work with shelter dogs so
often my three dogs get kennel cough shots.

By all means vaccinations "are a must," and so is heart worm protection,
and flea protection.

Here's a vet web site that I think you'll find very comprehensive.
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp

There are very many adult dogs out there needing a good home, most any
breed you can name. I encourage you to consider one of them rather than
a puppy.
"Only two things are infinite, the Universe and human stupidity, and I'm
not sure about the former."
Albert Einstein

"Michael A. Ball" wrote in message
...
There are very many adult dogs out there needing a good home, most any
breed you can name. I encourage you to consider one of them rather than
a puppy.

I second this! If you get your application approved and list your
preferences, a shelter may even call you as soon as a dog with preferred
characteristics comes in and has been evaluated, treated, etc. Little CJ
was about 4 y/o when we adopted each other. Trained, fun, easy.

Best wishes,
Annette

Stop baking before you reply

ups.com...
Micheal and Sharon,
Thanks for your advice. This spring I'm going to find a new pup and it
looks like proper vacinations are a must. Any ideas on a reasonable age
at which I should expect vacinations?

I won't duplicate Michael's response. Good advice to follow. Most pups start
vacs around 4-6 weeks of age with worming a must as well. Puppies get
"series" of vaccinations like babies-toddlers do. They need to be scheduled
regulary every few weeks according to your vet until they are about 6
months. Some large breeds need additional parvo vaccinations because of
their propensity to contract the virus (not sure I worded that right).
Again, ask the vet.

Best of luck, and don't let this past experience taint your future with
pets.

-Sharon

On Mon, 31 Jan 2005 20:49:18 GMT, "dogcookielady"
wrote:

If you get your application approved and list your
preferences, a shelter may even call you as soon as a dog with preferred
characteristics comes in and has been evaluated, treated, etc. Little CJ
was about 4 y/o when we adopted each other. Trained, fun, easy.

Yes, and don't forget breed-specific rescue groups. They can match you
with a dog that has demonstrated suitability as a pet.

Ozark, need help finding a particular breed rescue group, or need
coaching on how to connect with such a group? Just let us know. :-)

Michael

"Only two things are infinite, the Universe and human stupidity, and I'm
not sure about the former."
Albert Einstein