17/08/2026
🐾Parvovirus... 🐾
There have been a few local parvovirus cases recently. Parvovirus (parvo) is common for other parts of the country, but less common in Nelson/ Tasman. 🐶 If you have a puppy or unvaccinated dog, this one's for you....
🦠What is it
Parvo is highly contagious virus that mainly affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It attacks the intestinal and immune systems, and spreads easily through contaminated ground, surfaces and even shoes! Treatment is complex and lengthy, and sadly, in many cases we can't win the battle. It is extremely hard to rid yards and green spaces from parvovirus as it can lay dormant in soil and on surfaces for many months.
⚠Signs to watch for
😴Lethargy
🍽 Loss of appetite
🤢Vomiting
💩Diarrhoea
If your pet is showing these symptoms, please tell our team and we will assess them in the car before planning next steps. Please call ahead and let us know before you arrive.
💉Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective protection we have against parvovirus.
Puppies need vaccines every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age
-Protection isn't immediate- it takes about a week after each vaccine for immunity to build, so a puppy isn't fully covered until a week after their final puppy vaccination.
🐕Socialisation
Getting puppies out and about is important, but until they're fully vaccinated, stick to safe socialising:
-Healthy, fully vaccinated adult dogs
-Other puppies who have had at least one vaccination
-Avoid dog parks, footpaths, and areas with unknown dogs until they're immunised
🥊Keeping adult dogs' vaccinations up to date matters too - protection isn't lifelong, so maintaining regular vaccinations is important for ongoing coverage.
📱If you have concerns about your dog, or aren't sure if they're fully vaccinated, please call us to have a chat.
(post kindly shared with permission from Town and Country Vets)
