how can you be sure a yard doesn't have parvo?

Question

i just moved into a new house where the old owners had a dog. I didn't think that I would be gettting a puppy this quickly, but have done so. I didn't know all that much about parvo, but now I'm paranoid. From what I read, I can't expose him to any areas where the old dog had been. So how can I allow him to poop/pee in the backyard, let alone play out there? Am I being paranoid, or do I have to have him on isolation for months??

By the way, I understand about getting his vaccines (which he got prior to my adopting him) and then keeping them up to date. But how exactly do I allow him to use the yard if I'm putting bleach all over the grass? And how do you get a bleach solution out of grass/dirt/mud? I understand it for the cement, but the grass? I don't get it.

Answer 1

Has he been vaccinated against it?? If not then you should do so as soon as possible if he is already vaccinated then you have nothing to worry about. When vaccinated their immune system recongnizes it and fights off the infection. I hope I helped some. Good luck

Answer 2

So far as I know you can't make sure or get rid of Parvo if it is on your place.
But you can start vaccinating your puppy right now! I would since you don't know the area give him the 3 vaccines, 1 every two weeks. And then one every year after that. If you do know that the area is high in Parvo then I would vaccinate 2 times a year.
The vaccines are modified live virus vaccines meaning that you must mix the two viles together and give the vaccine right away. And because it is a modified live vaccine it may make your puppy a little sick and they may or may not display symptoms similar to the Pravo virus but they do not (99.99% or the time) get the virus from the vaccine.
I have done the above schedule on puppies as young as 5 weeks if I know they are going to be exposed to the virus right away after weaning at 8 weeks. The ideal is of course to make sure the ***** was vaccinated before getting pregnant that way the puppies would have had a passive immunity to Parvo for 6 to 8 weeks after birth. Which is why you start vaccinating puppies at 6 weeks of age and before weaning.

Answer 3

The only sure way to kill parvo is bleach and water, 1 to 32 ratio minimum, and let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse well, yep, it'll kill the grass, but not the puppy! With parvo, there is no such thing as being paranoid, as a foster home and shelter volunteer I assure you, it is a horrible battle to fight, especially when you lose so often:(


Edit - The solution of bleach to water just needs to sit for 10 minutes, then rinsed with the hose, the pup can use the yard once it's rinsed. My suggestion would be to work your yard into sections, the area he will go potty in first, then work your way around the yard, after all the struggles and tears and small wins, watching a beloved puppy die of parvo is too horrible for words and worth the cleansing routine to me. You only have to do it once:)

Answer 4

You can spray the yard with a mixture of 30% bleach to 70% water or stronger mix. You can also buy a product specially made to kill the virus at your local pet store like Pet Smart, Petco or Petland. Some grass will turn brown but it is worth it in saving on vet bills because parvo treatment is expensive.
Please remember that the virus can live for long periods of time. It can be transferred by air on people or animals. It is one of the most mutating viruses killing dogs now. Please take all precaution to prevent the virus.
It is not a bad idea to get a booster set of shots at the vet just to get piece of mind in discouraging the virus from getting a chance.
Good luck ;)

Answer 5

In March we got our first puppy and within 4 days we made an emergency trip to the vet because she was vomiting/diarrhea and very weak. They tested her for parvo right away and it was neg but she ended up staying for 6 days before she was ok to take home. We ?'d every step we did after reading and talking about Parvo to the vet. It could be anywhere. On your shoes, in your yard, garage, pet carrier.........anywhere. And yes, bleach solution is the only way to kill it. But with it being anywhere and being able to be carried so easily, you could pick it up outside of your home and bring it back.

I wouldn't say you are paranoid but rather concerned. If your pup has had it's first shots when it should of, and as long as you take it in when the others are due, you should be relatively safe. If you notice any signs of illness, take it in right away to the vet and they can do a Parvo test immediately. Parvo is just one of many canine diseases out there.

Our Lacey wasn't vac'd when we got her and we knew that. They think she had virus and intestine infection. Thank goodness she survived.

Answer 6

No, you're not being paranoid. When you get a dog, get his shots first. If you adopt a puppy, he'll already have had his shots (for parvo, etc.) Then just make sure he gets his follow up shots if he needs them. Then he'll be protected from parvo and other bad diseases. If you already have the dog, take him for his shots right away. Your breeder should have gotten his very first ones, but make sure you get the follow up booster shots. Ask your vet when they're due. As long as he's got his shots, he's okay, but parvo is very spreadable and can come in the house on people's feet, too.

Answer 7

See if you can contact the previous owners and ask them if they had parvo. If they didn't then there is no need to go to the whole trouble of bleaching house and yard to try and get rid of something that's not even there.

Answer 8

yeah bleach the area and make sure your puppy got shots for parvo as well. That way you can be sure that ur puppy is really safe.

Answer 9

You'll never know for sure that any other dog you ever encounter isn't infected with some contagious disease.
I think it's wise to be concerned, but I also think you're a bit paranoid here.