My puppy had parvo. I have disinfected the entire house and yard with bleach. How long do I need to wait before I can get another puppy?

Altenweg

Want to be completely safe, don't get a puppy, get a adult dog that has had all it's shots. Shelter are full of older dogs that are waiting for a good home. Puppies always get adopted.

An older dog will have all it's shots, and will in most cases already be fixed, this will save on costs, as the first year is quite expensive with a puppy. Also older dogs are calmer and easier to train.

If you insist on a puppy, check with your vet before considering the purchase of a new puppy in a house that has been infected with parvo.

Good luck and sorry to hear of your loss.

Merricat

Official answer: the parvo virus can live in the environment for up to seven months, longer if it will be frozen (i.e., if you live somewhere where it's going to be snowing/freezing come this winter). That's why we (veterinarians) usually recommend 7 months- 1year wait period.

Yes, diluted bleach will kill the virus, but this can be very hard to do. You would have to bleach EVERY SINGLE thing your dog came into contact with. You can help the process by bleaching obvious things like food and water bowls, bedding, etc. But you're never going to get it all.

If you could adopt an older dog, and one with vaccines already on board, that might help, too. No dog is ever risk free, but the incidence of parvo is very high in very young dogs, immunocompromised dogs, and any age dog if it is unvaccinated. Bringing in an older, vaccinated pet after a decent waiting period (say 6-7 months) would be safe.

I hope this info helps. Beware some of the things you can read on the internet--not all of it is accurate!!

labman

Likely the best advice you have received is not to bring another young puppy into that home. In some cases, parvo virus hangs around a long time. I am sure you don't want to go through another puppy getting parvo.

I have a lot more faith in the info at http://www.avma.org/communications/b...o_brochure.asp than Home

bushg

Labman your page can not be found when I clicked on it. Really would like to see what their recommendation is.

A family that I know had a puppy with parvo...I have avoided their house for over 6 months now afraid that I might bring it home with me. I see there is varying opinion's on this thread about when it is safe to be around where the virus has been. I wonder if it is safe to be in their area again.