RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) — 200 parvo and distemper vaccines were distributed at the Richmond SPCA on Monday.
Tabitha Treloar from the Richmond SPCA said: ‘Vaccinating our community’s dogs against this contagious and dangerous virus is very easily preventable with a highly effective vaccine that provides excellent immunity. “This is something we can all do to keep our entire community healthy.”
Parvo cases have been on the rise in central Virginia over the past few months. Shelters in St. Petersburg and Dinwiddie temporarily closed their doors due to outbreaks.
By distributing the vaccines provided by Petco Love for free, we hope to stop the spread of infection.
Richmond SPCA (WWBT) Free Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic
“We aim to not only provide this for these pets and their caregivers, but also to increase immunity in the community and reduce the number of outbreaks in shelters,” Treloar said.
The virus targets dogs’ digestive systems, causing profuse vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to death from infection and dehydration. It is spread through feces.
“Dogs that don’t have sufficient immunity from preventive vaccines are very susceptible to infection just by going for a walk or going to other areas where dogs are present,” she says.
Puppies are most at risk for parvo. Veterinarians recommend that puppies receive the parvo vaccine every three weeks until they are 16 weeks old. If you are already an adult, you need to receive an injection once a year.
In addition, Richmond Animal Care and Control also provided 200 rabies vaccines.
“That vaccine is required by state law for dogs over 4 months old,” she says.
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