Puppies are little babies in so many ways. They can be perfectly fine and then, because some virus or bacteria comes in, they can get sick. For this reason, we are setting some new "rules" for our visitors. 

We know, and appreciate, that everyone wants to see the babies and to play with them. They really are cute, and we really want you to see them, especially when one of them will go home to be a part of your family.  We have found that it is not completely safe to allow the puppies to be handled by folks who come to visit, as viruses can be spread so easily and we must prevent that from happening. 

Why be so picky?  The answer is that there is a highly contagious virus in our area of the country. It is called Canine Parvovirus, and it can be fatal to young puppies.  From the American Veterinary Medical Association, "The canine parvovirus (parvo) is highly contagious, can live in the environment for years, and can cause life-threatening disease.  Fortunately, it can be prevented with vaccination."

Parvo is a very stable virus and it can be spread by humans if they have been in an area where the virus is living. The first vaccine for puppies is generally given at 5 or 6 weeks of age and even that first vaccine does not fully protect them from the disease. The following facts will help you understand the risks for your own puppy, as well as for ours:

• Do not let your puppy or young adult dog to come into contact with the fecal waste of others while walking or playing outdoors.
• Prompt and proper disposal of waste material is always advisable as a way to limit spread of canine parvovirus infection as well as other diseases that can infect humans and animals.
• Puppies and young adult dogs with vomiting or diarrhea or others which have been exposed to ill dogs should not be taken to kennels, show grounds, dog parks, or other areas where they will come into contact with other puppies or young adult dogs.
• Unvaccinated dogs should not be exposed to ill dogs or those with unknown vaccination histories. People who are in contact with sick or exposed puppies or young adult dogs should avoid handling of other dogs or at least disinfect their hands, feet or shoes,  and change their clothes before doing so.

Parvo is highly contagious and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands, feet, and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Even trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as environmental reservoirs of the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. Parvo is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.

The best person to talk with about this virus is your veterinarian.  Most have protocols for vaccination that are designed to protect your new puppy or young adult dog. By having your dogs properly vaccinated, you also lessen the risk of expensive treatment for Parvo.  

One vaccination does not give a young puppy enough protection to keep it from getting Parvo. For this reason, most breeders will have a conversation with clients about having their new puppy visit the veterinarian regularly, especially up to about 16 weeks (when most puppies receive their first rabies vaccination) and following carefully the veterinarian's recommended protocol. 

Thank you for your understanding! We know you want the best for the puppies' health too!

Please read these Brochures for more information on Parvo!       Parvo Brochure 1                   Parvo Brochure 2