It is important to setup your puppy's first vet visit in your care before receiving your puppy. If you are a new client at a clinic, appointments may be more difficult to obtain. When your puppy turns 5 weeks old, we will remind you to setup their 10-12 week appointment for the vaccination schedule.

At your puppy's first appointment, ask your veterinarian about getting your puppy on heartworm medication. This is a prevention medicine. It can only be prescribed by a vet. The dewormer (Pyrantel Pamoate) does not prevent heartworm. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquito bite and may take years to show issues in your dog. The treatment for this is very severe and dogs with heartworm live shorter lives. In Hawaii, with the tropical weather and mosquitos, it is highly encourage to get on heartworm meds as soon as it is an option. 

"Parvo in puppies is caused by the canine parvovirus. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. Your puppy is exposed to the parvovirus every time he sniffs, licks, or consumes infected feces. Indirect transmission occurs when a person who has recently been exposed to an infected dog touches your puppy, or when a puppy encounters a contaminated object, like a food or water bowl, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.

The Merck Veterinary Manual classifies the virus as a disease of the stomach and small intestines, as this is where the virus does the most damage. The virus prefers to infect the small intestine, where it destroys cells, impairs absorption, and disrupts the gut barrier. Parvo in puppies also affects the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues, and in some cases can also affect the heart.

Why Do Puppies Get Parvo?

Puppies ages six weeks to six months are the most susceptible to parvo. Puppies younger than six-weeks-old still retain some of their mother’s antibodies, assuming that the dam received her full series of parvo vaccinations. Puppies are vaccinated against parvo at approximately 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. They are vulnerable to the disease until they have received all three shots in their vaccination series, which means owners need to take extra precaution during this time to prevent their puppies from contracting the virus. Puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they received earlier, to develop adequate protection." -read more

In short, Parvo is preventable if you take precautions and do not let your puppy touch ground where an infected dog may have access. Do not bring your puppy to dog parks, or any public spaces where he may contact the virus. Most importantly, finish your puppy's vaccination schedule.