Hes a german shepard mix and he was outside playing with my dad's friends' dog and their dog has parvo. I'm worried my dog might become infected with parvo. I don't know what gender their dog was. Should I take him to the vet?
2006-09-26 15:01:06 · 17 answers · asked by Emily 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Depends on his age and the competency of his immune system.
If he's current on his parvo vaccinations, then there's probably nothing to worry about. No vaccine is 100% perfect, but properly done, the one for parvo is quite effective....in the high 90's.
If he's never been vaccinated before, it's too late for a vaccination to work now that he's already been exposed....and there's absolutely no point in giving it. (Just like there's no point in you getting a flu shot after you've already been exposed.)
He's either going to come down with it or not. Nothing you do at this point can change that, to be honest (other than crossing your fingers and saying a prayer.) The incubation period is anywhere from 5-10 days (usually around 7.) Watch closely for symptoms and call your DVM at the FIRST sign of symptoms. Lethargy, lack of appetite, and vomiting are usually the first ones.
If he's had vaccines in the past but is overdue, he might still have partial protection and might benefit from a booster ASAP.
EDIT: Great answer, Gummy!!!! LOVE your waggy-tail, too! :D
2006-09-26 15:25:43 · answer #1 · answered by A Veterinarian 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gender of the other dog is not a concern. Parvo is not a STD in dogs, it is however highly contagious. You'll want to make sure that your dog is up to date on his parvo vaccines (also called DHLPP or DHLPP/C or Distemper/parvo on your dogs medical records). If you think your dogs shot records are not up to date and you are sure that your neighbors dog had parvo (which is in most cases fatal or very expensive to treat) then you should seek Vet assistance ASAP for a parvo test (which will probably cost you around 30-60 bucks). Good luck and I'll hope for the best!
2006-09-26 22:07:52 · answer #2 · answered by thestreak 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your dog is vaccinated, he should be fine. If he's not, you should watch for lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, not eating or drinking, etc. If he isn't vaccinated against parvo, and if he starts any of these things (not even necessarily ALL of them) you should take him to the vet and get a parvo test done, +/- treatment. Also, if he is an adult dog, he has less of a chance of getting parvo, but it's still not completely impossible.
2006-09-26 22:33:36 · answer #3 · answered by vetgirl77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be a little concerned. Parvo is highly contagious, especially in close contact. You need to take your dog to a vet, tell them your dog was exposed. Animals need vaccinations just like people. If you took your dog to the vet as a puppy then they usually get a parvo vaccine with their puppy shot sets anyways. If you got the dog as an older dog and don't know it's health background tell that to your vet too. Either way the vet will probably reccomend a full set of shots.
2006-09-26 22:07:43 · answer #4 · answered by dances with cats 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should take your dog to the vet and tell the vet that your dog has been exposed to a dog with parvo. The vet will know what to do. There is a vaccine for parvo. He will certainly give your dog this. It does matter what gender the other dog was. Parvo attacks both genders.
2006-09-26 22:58:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I would..that is not something that you want to play around with. If you love your dog, i think you should take him to the vet to make sure that all of his shots are up to date and that he is okay. If your dog has it, then hopefully you will have caught it in time. If your dog does not have Parvo, then you will feel better.
If you are like me, you will worry until you do it anyways,
2006-09-26 22:07:32 · answer #6 · answered by guudkarma 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How do you know the dog has parvo? Has your dog had its vaccinations? If this other dog has parvo, he would not have the energy to play with anyone, the dog would be quite, quite sick and it's fecal matter would be a disgusting stench, unbearable. It does not sound like this other dog has parvo.
2006-09-26 22:05:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I take parvo pups in to foster for two recues. My dogs have never gotten it from any of the foster. None of the other fosters have ever gotten from a parvo pup.
2006-09-27 09:12:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are a responsible dog owner, you would have gotten your dog his shots, well did you? If not do it now .the vet may have a Med to decrease the likelyhood of an infection from your dads friends dog.
2006-09-27 02:10:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
hm, have he had a parvo shot already? if he has hes fine. but if he hasnt, you should take him to the vet.
2006-09-26 22:04:55 · answer #10 · answered by Glitter 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋