Increase in Canine Parvovirus in Utah County

Contact: Guinnevere Shuster
Cell: 801-638-4685
Email: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 22, 2021

News Release

Humane Society of Utah is seeing an alarming increase in community members asking for assistance with the Canine Parvovirus in Utah County.

Multiple community members seeking assistance for a total of 32 dogs and puppies sick with the Canine Parvovirus (parvo) have contacted the Humane Society of Utah in the last four days. Parvo is highly contagious, and without proper disinfection, the virus can survive in the environment for months and even years under the right conditions.

Dogs and puppies can start showing signs of the disease between three to ten days after exposure, but they are often contagious before symptoms arise. If you suspect your pet has parvo, immediately isolate your pet and contact your primary care veterinarian.

“Parvo is a very scary virus that can cause deadly vomiting and diarrhea. The good news is that vaccinating your dog provides excellent protection against Canine Parvovirus infection. Make sure to work with a veterinarian to get your dog vaccinated properly,” says Timna Fischbein DVM, Humane Society of Utah medical director. “If you have a puppy, remember that they will need multiple boosters for full protection. Beware of do-it-yourself vaccines such as those from farm supply stores, as they are often not refrigerated properly and may not be effective.”

You should not allow puppies to come into contact with unvaccinated dogs until they have received all of their vaccines. Puppies should receive their first parvo vaccination between 6-8 weeks, DHPP at 10-12 weeks, and DHPP again at 16-18 weeks. To protect adult dogs, dog guardians should keep their dog’s vaccination up-to-date. For adult dogs, this means one vaccine and a booster if their vaccine history is unknown.

While parvo typically is more deadly with puppies, unvaccinated dogs of any age are susceptible. Two of the dogs from this past weekend were improperly vaccinated adults, and one passed away due to the virus.

“As tempting as it may be for new puppy owners, we advise against taking them to parks, pet stores, or any areas highly trafficked by dogs until their puppy is fully vaccinated,” says Guinnevere Shuster, associate director of marketing and communications at the Humane Society of Utah. “You can safely socialize your new puppy with fully vaccinated dogs in a clean environment like your home.”

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About the Humane Society of Utah

The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear, and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the Utah Humane Society has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals. As the largest open-admission private animal resource center in the state, the Utah Humane Society welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. We work hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, independent 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization that does not receive any state or government funding and is not a branch of any national organization. It is funded by the contributions of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Read more online at www.utahhumane.org.

4242 South 300 West Murray, UT 84107 / 801-261-2919 / UtahHumane.org / @utahhumane