Wait for vaccines after surviving parvovirus

by Sol & Dexter
(Los Angeles, Ca)

Hi,
on November 21, 2011, my 6 week old then puppy was diagnosed with parvovirus. Luckily he has survived it and is now 7 weeks old. I still haven't gotten him his shots because I was waiting for him to be 6 weeks. But then we found out he had parvo. My question is: How long do I have to wait before getting his vaccinations?

I also have two more dogs that I have been keeping away from him for precaution. Can't afford having another dog getting parvo. My second question is: How long do I have to wait before he can go out there and play with the other dogs?

If someone would be kind enough to help us out we'd really appreciate it. Thank you!





Hi Sol and Dexter
If your un-vaccinated, 6 week old puppy had a confirmed case of Canine Parvovirus then he is EXTREMELY lucky to have survived and for him to feel like playing and for you to wonder if he's well enough for you to consider vaccinations he must be a very tough little guy indeed!

It's really great to hear a happy ending to a Parvo story. They are rare.

However, he's still very young and I would personally advise not getting his puppy shots until he's fully recovered - to me that would mean until it's at least 2 weeks after he is 'back to normal' in terms of behavior, appetite, bowel function etc. If you vaccinate him while his immune system is weakened it could leave him at risk of further infections or health issues.

However, I'm not a veterinarian, so I strongly recommend that you follow your vet's advice on this.

If you have other un-vaccinated dogs, I can't stress highly enough the importance of having them vaccinated and not allowing them to be in contact with this puppy, or any areas where he has excreted, for at least 2 weeks after they get their shots. Parvo is extremely contagious and although it mainly targets puppies, older dogs are by no means immune from it's effects.

Hope this helps and I wish you the very best of luck with your dogs. That puppy should be called 'Lucky' :)