Dear Think Tank,
I've heard a rumour that there's been an outbreak of parvo locally. I have a very elderly small dog and I've not boosted her as she really is just pottering in the garden these days as she's happier where she knows now her sight and hearing are quite poor.
I'm aware you can walk diseases in on your feet, what can I use to cut down the risks of walking it in?
Many thanks,
Alison Logan, vet, advises...
As you intimate in your question, the
best form of protection against parvovirus is vaccination. I can quite
understand why you have not kept your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date, although I
do hope you are still having her regularly examined by your veterinary surgeon
so that any problems can be detected at as early a stage as possible.
It does, however, leave her vulnerable to
contracting parvovirus even if she does not leave your garden. Parvovirus is
highly resistant in the environment. Rumours can be unfounded but if you have
any inkling of this rumour being credible then I think I would keep your dog
confined to barracks, at home and in your garden. For yourself, I would limit
the contact you have with dogs, and avoid going where dogs are walked because it
can indeed be carried inadvertently by shoes and clothing.
Parvovirus can be
shed in the faeces of asymptomatic dog so you could be totally unaware of
having been in contact with an infected dog. Removing shoes and outer clothing
before walking into the house would be a sensible precaution. You could
potentially set up a footbath at all the entrances to your home for you and
your visitors to dip their shoes because, fortunately, there are disinfectants
which will deactivate parvovirus.
I do hope this helps to reassure you. Please
contact your veterinary practice for further advice should you have any more
questions, and for an update on the situation in your area.
