4 replies to this topic

[Jerry]

We have been taking Lola for walks in the neighborhood lately. Kim told us that we could let our guard down a bit after the second set of shots. The tech at our vets office told us to wait until the third set (3 weeks from now). I don't know what others are doing, but we decided to take Kim's advice. Lola desperately needs the exercise and the socialization, and I think it's worth the risk. she is still in the fear stage, and she is terrified of every sound (especially barking neighborhood dogs). This makes me think it is that much more important to get her out.

On two occasions, she had diarrhea on the walk. Yesterday, it had blood in it. We are worried about it, but the vet didn't seem to think it was a big problem as long as she is still spry. She is!

One thing I can say, these walks are doing her a world of good behaviorally. She is always great during the walk (as great as one could expect from an 11 week old). And when we get home, she is so sweet and calm.

This morning, my daughter and I took Lola for a walk around the block before school. Sophia actually held the leash for much of it, and it went great. We then took Lola to shophia's class for show & tell (her 2nd grade teacher is a dog lover). We talked to the class about her and about AIDogs, and everyone got to pet her. Lola's behavior was superb.

I hope I am not bragging too much, but I am just so proud of this pup that I must share.

[miz molly]

Jerry, on Feb 3 2010, 11:22 AM, said:

We have been taking Lola for walks in the neighborhood lately. Kim told us that we could let our guard down a bit after the second set of shots. The tech at our vets office told us to wait until the third set (3 weeks from now). I don't know what others are doing, but we decided to take Kim's advice. Lola desperately needs the exercise and the socialization, and I think it's worth the risk. she is still in the fear stage, and she is terrified of every sound (especially barking neighborhood dogs). This makes me think it is that much more important to get her out.

On two occasions, she had diarrhea on the walk. Yesterday, it had blood in it. We are worried about it, but the vet didn't seem to think it was a big problem as long as she is still spry. She is!

One thing I can say, these walks are doing her a world of good behaviorally. She is always great during the walk (as great as one could expect from an 11 week old). And when we get home, she is so sweet and calm.

This morning, my daughter and I took Lola for a walk around the block before school. Sophia actually held the leash for much of it, and it went great. We then took Lola to shophia's class for show & tell (her 2nd grade teacher is a dog lover). We talked to the class about her and about AIDogs, and everyone got to pet her. Lola's behavior was superb.

I hope I am not bragging too much, but I am just so proud of this pup that I must share.

Keep bragging. We all do, and love to hear the great achievements of others.

[Allison]

The point of the shots is to build up immunity. 1 set, and wait, 2 sets, and wait.... You get the point? They are not immune immediately after the second set. It requires some time to build up the immunity.

My vet said, "I can tell you that it is fine after 3 sets of shots. I cannot tell you, as a vet, that it is 'probably fine' after two. I have to be more specific."

Just watch the blood in the stool, and watch for vomiting. If you get them both, or if the blood in the stool continues, get her right back into the vet. These dogs survive things that would kill other pups, so don't be too alarmed, but Parvo is something that is now uncommon. They may wait too long before diagnosing and treating, and put little Lola at more risk. Keep a watch on her water intake, and make sure that she does not become dehydrated.

This is what happened to Coyo. They told me I was a "Nervous Mother" (don't get me started on that), and by the time it was diagnosed he was way down, and almost died.

I remember calling them and saying, "He is throwing up blood, now. Is that finally enough to make you take it seriously?"

Hopefully you will not have to use any of this info.

[Jerry]

Allison, on Feb 3 2010, 11:50 AM, said:

The point of the shots is to build up immunity. 1 set, and wait, 2 sets, and wait.... You get the point? They are not immune immediately after the second set. It requires some time to build up the immunity.

My vet said, "I can tell you that it is fine after 3 sets of shots. I cannot tell you, as a vet, that it is 'probably fine' after two. I have to be more specific."

Just watch the blood in the stool, and watch for vomiting. If you get them both, or if the blood in the stool continues, get her right back into the vet. These dogs survive things that would kill other pups, so don't be too alarmed, but Parvo is something that is now uncommon. They may wait too long before diagnosing and treating, and put little Lola at more risk. Keep a watch on her water intake, and make sure that she does not become dehydrated.

This is what happened to Coyo. They told me I was a "Nervous Mother" (don't get me started on that), and by the time it was diagnosed he was way down, and almost died.

I remember calling them and saying, "He is throwing up blood, now. Is that finally enough to make you take it seriously?"

Hopefully you will not have to use any of this info.

Thanks, Do you know how they diagnose Parvo? I am a nervous daddy, but that's aside the point.

[Allison]

I do not know if it is through a stool sample, or what that it is diagnosed, but through vomiting and diarrhea, they will get dehydrated, and that is usually what kills them. It rips up the intestinal tract. Keep a watch on blood in the stool, and vomiting. If she starts to vomit, take her in right away, and insist that they consider Parvo.

She may just be adjusting to the shots, etc. It should clear up very soon. If it continues for 2 days...

More on Parvovirus

She is very healthy, and she had a very good start from her mother--better than most. It may pan out with no problems.