Parvo Question??

Hi, I have a question... If a dog has been in a house where there was parvo about 6 months ago, but did not get it ( and he was very very young 1 mth old) and has had all his vaccines since, he is now 7 mths old, and has never been sick, and the house owner bleached and ripped out carpets.. Can he be carrying the disease? Is it possible to be a carrier or have parvo germs on him? where he could contaminate my dogs with parvo? I have NOOO idea if thats possible or how parvo lasts and if he can just be a carrier or have parvo on him somehow, hope this made sense ;-) thks!

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Ireneo has good information for you.  Thanks Ireneo!

If your dogs are all vaccinated for parvo than they should be protected.  

[ireneo]

You can google canine parvo and find many sites that help explain what it is and how it's transmitted. What I found out briefly is: the virus can survive up to 9 months, is not air borne but can be brought in from outside on shoes, paws, etc. In the ground, contaminated feces may be infect others for up to 5 months. Adult dogs can carry the virus with no symptoms. Puppies are most at risk. And areas can be disinfected with a bleach solution of 1 oz of bleach to 1 quart of water. Those are just a few of the facts I found.

[lolathechi]

Can you test an adult to see if they are a 'carrier'?

[ireneo]

A vet can do a blood test (titre) and see if they're well protected. I get the impression from what I've read that if a dog has parvo, even as a carrier, and is showing symptoms such as diarrhea, the disease can still be spread through the feces.

All your dogs should be well vaccinated against parvo and then you'll have no worries.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

I routinely perform parvo and distemper titers.  If it eases your mind than please have the titers performed.

[lolathechi]

he is for sure 100% vaccinated for parvo, all my other dogs are too.. but i hear even if vaccinated they can possibly still get parvo?? thats why I am SOOOOO worried about this guy being a carrier.. my vet said there are no such things as carriers ( if they didnt have parvo) but online it says differently.. thats why i am soooooo confused! i still have him in isolation and feel so bad.. but i was thinking of waiting 2 weeks and just making sure?? i just dont know what to do?

[ireneo]

Like Dr. Cheng said, take the dog to your vet, have a titre done so you'll know your new dog is well protected against the parvo. At the same time, ask your vet what it means for a dog to be a carrier, the dangers if any, etc. It's better to speak directly to your vet than to read bits and pieces online.