Comprehensive Management of Parvovirus, Coronavirus, and Other Diseases in Puppies and Kennels
Losing puppies to diseases such as parvovirus or coronavirus can be devastating. These losses often result from a combination of factors converging at critical moments in a young puppy’s life. This guide provides in-depth information on preventing and managing these diseases to ensure the health of your puppies and kennel.
Protecting Puppies from Parvovirus and Other Diseases
Isolation and Vaccination:
Isolation: Puppies should be kept isolated from groups of dogs until they are fully vaccinated at 16 weeks of age. Avoid dog parks, puppy classes, and other areas where they could be exposed to infectious diseases.
Vaccination: Use comprehensive vaccines to protect against multiple diseases. For example, the Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv+Cv 6-way shot protects against corona, distemper, and parvovirus, while the Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPvL2+Cv 8-way vaccine also includes protection against Leptospirosis.
Sources of Disease Transmission
Preventing Contamination:
Visitors and Staff: Limit the entry of visitors and staff who have been in contact with sick dogs, other kennels, shelters, or dog parks. Implement strict biosecurity measures, such as requiring visitors to disinfect shoes, remove outerwear, and wash hands thoroughly.
Wildlife: Wild animals like foxes, coyotes, and raccoons can carry parvovirus, coronavirus, distemper virus, and leptospirosis. Regularly check for and disinfect areas where wildlife may defecate, especially around the tree or fence lines.
Understanding Parvovirus and Coronavirus
Impact on the Intestinal Tract:
Parvovirus: Destroys the base of the intestinal villi, leading to severe digestive issues and the potential for bacterial invasion and septicemia.
Coronavirus: Affects the tips of the intestinal villi, reducing nutrient absorption. Co-infection with parvovirus can be catastrophic, leading to severe illness and high mortality rates.
Diagnosis and Testing:
In-Clinic Tests: Parvovirus can be diagnosed using in-clinic test kits, which may show positive results after recent vaccination.
Laboratory Testing: For accurate diagnosis, especially after losing puppies, submit samples to a veterinary diagnostic lab for comprehensive testing.
Managing Puppy Diet and Water
Minimizing Gut Disturbances:
Consistent Diet and Water: Avoid sudden changes in diet or water sources. Provide new puppy owners with food and water from your kennel to maintain consistency and reduce stress on the puppy’s digestive system.
Parasite Control in Puppies
Preventive Measures:
Managing the Dam:
Administer fenbendazole to the dam from the last three weeks of pregnancy through the first two weeks of lactation. This extended protocol helps prevent roundworms and hookworms from passing to the puppies.
Puppy Deworming:
Start deworming puppies at two weeks of age and continue weekly with pyrantel until six weeks. Switch to Panacur or continue with pyrantel after this period. By eight weeks, start a monthly heartworm preventive that includes intestinal parasite control.
Advanced Parasite Testing:
Utilize advanced tests at reference laboratories to detect parasite proteins, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Reducing Stress During Rehoming
Stress Management:
Albon Treatment: Administer Albon suspension to puppies three days before and three days after rehoming to stabilize gut bacteria and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
Probiotics: Use quality probiotics like Breeder’s Edge Nurture Flora or Doc Roy’s GI Synbiotics to support gut health.
Minimizing Environmental Stress:
Limit Exposure: Reduce exposure to unfamiliar environments, people, and animals during rehoming.
Gradual Socialization: Ensure puppies are well-socialized and accustomed to various experiences to minimize stress-induced illness.
Behavioral Support:
Adaptil or ThunderEase: Use these collars and sprays to help puppies adapt to new surroundings, reducing anxiety and stress.
Conclusion
Preventing and managing diseases like parvovirus and coronavirus in puppies requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing strict biosecurity measures, maintaining consistent diets, ensuring proper vaccination and deworming protocols, and reducing stress during rehoming, you can significantly improve the health and survival of your puppies.
For more detailed information and high-quality products to support the health of your puppies and kennel, visit K9reproduction.com or call us at 800-658-5308. We are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy and thriving breeding program through expert advice and top-quality products.
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