Pomona Valley Veterinary Hospital: PARVOVIRUS OUTBREAK

There has been a serious outbreak for Parvovirus in the our local area.

Parvovirus is a viral disease that affects puppies more frequently than adult dogs, but all dogs are in danger. This virus is passed on through contact. For example; if there was a dog that had parvo at a dog park, every dog that visits that dog park can be affected. The virus may persist in the environment for up to 5 months.

Symptoms of this virus will include vomit, diarrhea,suppression of appetite and lethargy. Incubation period for this illness is 4 to 14 days. The sooner you notice these symptoms in your pet, the sooner you need to bring him in. Without treatment approximately 85% of affected puppies will die. Although recovery can not be guaranteed, the sooner treatment is started, the better the chance of overcoming this illness.

The best form of prevention is vaccination. Puppies must get the first parvo vaccine at 6-8 weeks of age. Dogs one year or older need the parvo booster every year.

What you need to know about flea control

-The adult fleas you may see on your pet are only the tip of the infestation iceberg. Immature stages (eggs, larvae and pupae) may exist in and around your home.

-Immature fleas are hard to see, but may be found anywhere an infested pet has been. They may thrive unseen in many areas of the home, such as carpets, bedding and cracks in flooring.

-Fleas can reproduce indoors year-round

-Remember, some infested pets will scratch, others can also lick and groom themselves in an attempt to rid their coats and fleas. Make sure your pet is treated monthly throughout the year to ensure effective flea control.

Which worms why?

Merial recently handed out these flyers with very IMPORTANT information about WORMS dangerous to both ANIMALS & HUMANS

Heartworms: Among the most dangerous parasitic worm threat to dogs.

Pet Threat: YES

Human Threat: VERY RARELY

Hookworms: Dangerous parasites that can lead to anemia, and potentially kill small puppies.

Pet Threat: YES

Human Threat: YES

Roundworms: Intestinal parasites that can be fatal to dogs. Children are vulnerable to infection.

Pet Threat: YES

Human Threat: YES

Whipworms: A parasite that shows up less frequently than heartworms, hookworms and roundworms.

Pet Threat: YES

Human Threat: No validaded cases

Tapeworms: A non-fatal parasite that a dog can contract by accidentally swallowing infected fleas.

Pet Threat: YES

Human Threat: Very Rarely

for more information: http://www.whichwormswhy.com/

Why is regular deworming so important?

Regular deworming is the best way to prevent parasitic disease, and the transmission of intestinal parasites from pets to people. Frequent deworming is crucial for newborm puppies and kittens because they can be seriously harmed by parasites. Regular deworming also prevents the shedding of parasite eggs, which can contaminate yards or any place pets defecate. The danger is not only that your pet can be reinfected, but that family members can be infected too.

Puppies and Kittens need 2 dewormings two weeks apart, from there they should be dewormed every 6 months

Pomona Valley Veterinary Hospital

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March

PARVOVIRUS OUTBREAK

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