How to Prevent Parvo in a Shelter

Canine parvovirus, also known as parvo, is one of the most common causes of puppy diarrhea and can be fatal for young or adult dogs. Parvo emerged as a problem during the late 1970s, and in the 21st century it is a very common dog disease, especially in shelters. Certain breeds -- Labradors, German shepherds, pit bulls, Dobermans and rottweilers -- are generally more susceptible to the disease. Dogs under 6 months of age are more susceptible to parvo than adult dogs. In a shelter, measures to prevent parvo are of vital importance to each dog's health.

Things You'll Need

  • Disinfectant
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Vaccines
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean and disinfect the entire shelter on a regular basis, using a disinfectant known to kill the parvo virus. Household bleach is effective against parvo, and when diluted in a 1:32 solution it is safe around dogs. To make a 1:32 solution, add 4 ounces of bleach to one gallon of water. Potassium peroxymonosulfate, sold under the proprietary brand name Trifectant, is also effective against parvo. Trifectant is less corrosive than bleach, and you do not need to prepare fresh solutions daily. Whichever disinfectant you use, make sure to clean the indoor hallways, walkways and feeding areas in addition to the kennel cages.

    • 2

      Reduce the risk of shelter visitors and staff spreading parvo from dog to dog. Parvo can be carried on a person's hands or clothing if she is in contact with an infected dog. Provide easily-accessible hand sanitizer for staff and visitors to use as they move through the shelter, and between contact with different dogs. Make sure staff wear clean clothes daily. Boot covers and foot washes can prevent spreading infection around the shelter in footwear treads.

    • 3

      Vaccinate dogs against parvo on arrival at the shelter. The ASPCA recommends first vaccinating each puppy at between 5 and 6 weeks old, and administering booster vaccinations every two weeks until the puppy is between 14 and 16 weeks old. In breeds with a higher parvo risk, vaccinations may be continued until 18 weeks of age. Adult dogs may be vaccinated with a specific, single dose live parvo vaccine.

    • 4

      Watch for the signs and symptoms of parvo in every individual dog. Common symptoms of parvo include noxious or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness and lethargy. Dogs may have a fever or appear depressed. If in any doubt about a dog's parvo status, seek qualified veterinary help.

    • 5

      Isolate any dog infected with parvo immediately. The dog should remain in quarantine for at least two weeks, having no contact with other dogs in the shelter. If your shelter is not equipped for isolation and quarantine, it may be best to send the infected dog to an animal hospital for treatment. If treating in the shelter, make sure there is no sharing of water troughs, feeding bowls or bedding between the sick dog and the others. Do not use mops to clean the floors of the shelter, as mops can carry infection from the quarantine area to the rest of the shelter.

    • 6

      Reduce the risk of parvo by feeding all dogs in the shelter a high-quality and age-appropriate diet. Maintain a regular deworming schedule for all dogs. Keep puppies separate from adult dogs, and further segregate puppies by age group or birth litter. Reduce dogs' stress levels in the shelter by creating as quiet and relaxing an environment as possible. Turn off the shelter lights at night so the dogs can get a good night's sleep. A relaxed and well-rested dog is less susceptible to parvo and other diseases.