Parvovirus vaccinations offered Saturday

The Bend Spay and Neuter Project has become aware of multiple cases and minor outbreaks of Parvovirus in Central Oregon including the Bend area.

In order to assist those who are unable to afford to vaccinate their dogs, Bend Spay and Neuter Project will offer the Distemper/Parvovirus vaccination for $10 on Saturday, November 8 th from 10am to 2pm during their weekly vaccination clinic. The clinic is located at 910 SE Wilson in the East Bend Plaza.

Parvovirus is a virus that can affect puppies and unvaccinated adults of any age. The key signs you may see are:

Vomiting Diarrhea
Fever
Acting tired/lack of energy
Food refusal Dehydration

Keep in mind that you would most likely see more than one of these symptoms in a sick dog. This virus is shed in ALL bodily fluids of infected dogs. Any unvaccinated dog or puppy can become infected:

2-3 days BEFORE signs of infection occur in a parvovirus positive dog
2 weeks AFTER full recovery of a parvovirus positive dog

Parvovirus can remain in the environment for six months to TWO YEARS! Disinfection of all possible contaminated, non-porous surfaces with bleach water (1/2 cup per gallon) will adequately kill the virus.

Vaccination is the key to prevention. If your dog has been exposed to parvovirus, please isolate him/her from contact with any other dogs for 2 weeks and monitor closely for clinical signs listed above. Certain strains of parvovirus can also be spread to cats, so please isolate your dog from cats as well.

If your dog has been exposed to parvovirus:

Vaccinate immediately if your dog has had a parvovirus vaccine as a puppy but is not currently up to date
Do not vaccinate if your dog is up to date
Do not vaccinate if your dog has never had a parvovirus vaccine

If your dog had been exposed to parvovirus but is not showing signs and does not need immediate vaccination (see above), BSNP recommends isolation. If you plan on taking your dog to your regular veterinarian because you suspect possible Parvo, notify them BEFORE your visit so the proper safety precautions can be taken. This is for the protection of all other animals that may enter your veterinarian’s hospital that day.

If you are in doubt of your dog’s vaccine status, please vaccinate!