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You finally are able to pick up your Maltese puppy, take him home and begin to make him a part of your family. What an exciting time it is to bring home a brand new Maltese puppy. You have toys, a bed, and food and water dishes. You have everything you need to get started with this new Maltese puppy.

In these first moments of excitement I want you to remember your Maltese puppy is just like a newborn baby. He probably has had at least one maybe two vaccinations. You know the importance of establishing your Maltese puppy with a trusted vet. You also must be aware that canine parvovirus is everywhere in the environment just waiting for your puppy. As a wise dog owner you will continue all his vaccinations according to your personal vet’s protocol to help protect your little Maltese puppy against this debilitating, sometimes deadly, disease. This is a canine disease that usually hits puppies the hardest. Adult dogs can also be affected, but usually the severity is much less.

Parvovirus passes through the feces of infected dogs. If another dog has oral contact with the infected feces they most likely will acquire the infection as well. Some puppies have more immunity to the disease than others. If your Maltese puppy’s dam was properly vaccinated she will transfer greater immunity to parvovirus in the colostrums or the first milk. Maternal antibodies can be present in your Maltese puppy for up to 20 to 22 weeks. However, the Maltese puppy may not be protected the entire time.

Most of the Maltese puppy’s maternal antibodies to other viruses we commonly vaccinate against will have disappeared by 12 weeks. The maternal parvovirus antibodies persist longer than this. Your Maltese puppy should have gotten its first vaccination for protection against parvovirus at least by 8 weeks of age regardless of when its dam’s antibodies begin to wear off. Vaccinations should be continued every three weeks until the Maltese puppy is 20 to 22 weeks old.

When you Maltese grow older he still needs to be kept up on vaccines. As dogs age their immune system may become impaired and they can become more susceptible to diseases just as young puppies are.

In addition to a strict schedule of vaccinations against parvovirus and all other common canine diseases it is wise to keep your young Maltese puppy isolated from other dogs and out of parks where they may come in contact with infected feces until they have completed the series of vaccinations necessary to protect them against these diseases. Practicing these rules will decrease their chances of being exposed especially to the parvovirus which is so very contagious to young puppies and is absolutely everywhere in our environment. The parvovirus can even be carried on the shoes of humans. You can deal with this problem by wiping the bottom of your shoes off with a paper towel soaked in Clorox bleach.

Symptoms of the parvovirus are:

• Loss of appetite;
• Lack of energy;
• Vomiting or diarrhea;
• The vomit or diarrhea may be bloody.

Since these symptoms are common to many different diseases, it is important to see your veterinarian early if your Maltese puppy shows any of these symptoms for a definitive diagnosis and to begin treatment immediately if parvovirus is diagnosed. Young puppies, less than three months of age, can become dehydrated very quickly. These puppies can die easily if not treated promptly.

What to do if the “unthinkable” happens to your beautiful white fluffy Maltese puppy……

There is no drug a veterinarian can give your little Maltese puppy that kills parvovirus once the puppy is infected. The disease has to just run its course. Supportive care is the treatment of a parvovirus infection.

Sick animals will need to be given lots of fluids and sometimes even extra support in the veterinarian hospital with fluids given through the veins round the clock. Secondary bacterial infections sometimes develop. If a secondary bacterial infection develops antibiotics can be given to fight the bacterial infection, which is totally separate now of the parvovirus infection.

Length of treatment depends upon the individual puppy or dog. The age and the severity of the infection are two main factors in determining how long the animal will be ill. It may be a couple of days up to several weeks before recovery.

Parvovirus can remain in the environment for long periods of time. A heavy frost is necessary to kill the parvovirus outdoors. It is highly important to clean up after a parvovirus infection. Wash the animal’s area with Clorox bleach and water in a 1:30 dilution to the kill the virus. Clorox bleach is the most effective cleaner against this virus. Throw away bowls and bedding to be most secure you have rid yourself of the virus in your environment. Discard promptly all feces from the infected animal. As you care for an animal affected with parvovirus wash your hands promptly with a mixture of the Clorox bleach and water dilution. Prepare a bottle to have on hand at all times. Humans can transmit the disease to other dogs. Very small amounts of the infected feces material contain large numbers of viral organisms that are easily transmitted to other dogs.

Now with all that said, hopefully, this will not happen shortly after the joy and excitement of bringing home that beautiful white fluffy Maltese puppy. Just be aware of what can occur and be prepared.

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