Adopting a 2-Shot Puppy: What does this mean?

Adopting a puppy is a very exciting time, and we understand the desire to take the puppy out and about with you. However, puppies under the age of 5 months do not have a developed immune system and are at risk for many diseases—parvo being the main danger for puppies at this age. 

Parvo is a highly contagious virus. It causes an infectious gastrointestinal (GI) illness in puppies and young dogs, and without treatment, it is potentially fatal. Part of what makes the virus so dangerous is the ease with which it is spread through the canine population. It affects puppies much more frequently than it affects adult dogs—mostly because adult dogs have a lifetime of vaccinations and stronger immune systems. The virus likes to grow in rapidly dividing cells. Because the intestinal lining has the biggest concentration of rapidly dividing cells in a puppy's body, the virus attacks and kills these cells, causing diarrhea (often bloody), as well as depression and suppression of white blood cells. It also prevents the absorption of nutrients. In very young puppies, it can infect the heart muscle and lead to sudden death. 

It is imperative that your puppy not be allowed to come in contact with other dogs that are not up to date on their shots. Puppies should never go to public areas that are frequented by other dogs, including dog parks, until 10 days after they have had AT LEAST 3 distemper/parvo vaccinations.  

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, puppies should be vaccinated starting at 4 weeks of age and revaccinated every 2-4 weeks until 18-20 weeks of age. Petey and Furends follows this best practice and begins vaccinating puppies in our care at 4 weeks old. Puppies coming straight from the shelter to a foster home will receive two distemper/parvo vaccinations before being adopted into a new home. 

For more information on vaccinations, click here. For more information on the danger of parvo in puppies, click here.