My husband and I had a 4 month old puppy, Brandy, who got parvo last Monday, and by Wed she was not doing better, and we had to put her to sleep. We think she was the runt because she was really small compared to her sister. My father in law has her sister, Daisy. Daisy was taken to the vet on Monday and also has parvo. Looks like she is doing good. We have another dog named Chico, a pit bull. He is a year old, and poor thing, we had to throw out his bed since Brandy was on it. He is an outside dog. How do I clean my yard? We also had him in our truck, do we need to shampoo it also? We were told to wait about 6 months until we get another puppy. But I want to get a older puppy who has its shots before we bring it home. We like taking our dogs with us, so do I have to shampoo the truck? And if so, what could I use that wouldn't bleach it? (it has blue interior) Thanks!
Brwnzooga

To protect any other dogs, you need to understand a little more about parvo. Read through http://www.avma.org/communications/b...o_brochure.asp

If Chico has had a parvo shot more than 2 weeks ago, but after he was several months old, likely he is safe. If not, likely he has already been exposed to parvo and it is too late to clean up. While bleach will kill the virus, an ordinary shampoo might physically remove the virus. Maybe try cleaning the truck with some sort of a steamer, perhaps even something like a Spotbuster. At least Chico is big enough that he should have a good chance of surviving it if he does catch parvo.

I have read nothing encouraging about cleaning up outside, but saw this link last night, http://www.marvistavet.com/html/the_...e_environ.html I haven't read it, and frankly, I am not sure I could judge its reliability. It is from the Woodhaven Labs site and I have found their other links more trustworthy than much of the web. It is much easier to find dog info on the web than verify it is factual.

I think your idea of an older puppy with its shots is a good one. Remember an effective shot must come after any immunity from the mother has worn off, and at least 2 weeks before the puppy is exposed to parvo.

An older puppy brings the danger is spent its important 6-12 week period in a kennel or pet store cage and missed the socialization needed to live outside a kennel.

I am very sorry to hear about Brandy. Such stories are much too common. No matter what, there is a window that little puppies can catch parvo, and so many don't make it.