Koa recovers from Parvo with help from Fur Kids Foundation

Meet Koa, a 12-week-old Redbone Coonhound. Koa's parents, who recently moved into a pet-friendly home, fell in love with his shelter picture and quickly welcomed him into their family. Not long after adopting Koa, a family emergency required them to travel across the state and stay in a hotel, bringing Koa along.

Soon after the trip, Koa became very ill with diarrhea and vomiting, and was diagnosed with Parvo. Koa's mom is a full-time student, and his dad is the main provider for the family. Koa's illness was devastating for them; they applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help with this emergency veterinary care. 

For those who don’t know, canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs; it can also damage the heart muscle in puppies.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), it is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated stool (picking up dog poop is very important), environments or people. The virus can contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. It’s resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. The virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects. Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. 

AVMA recommends that all dogs receive a canine parvovirus vaccine. Thankfully Koa had received his first two sets of Parvo vaccinations, so Fur Kids Foundation was able to offer assistance. Koa's family isn't sure if he contracted Parvo from their new yard or during their travels. 

Just so you are aware: Puppies younger than 16 weeks should receive their first dose between 6 and 8 weeks old, followed by two more doses 2–4 weeks apart. Puppies should receive a dose at or after 16 weeks of age, even if they received earlier doses. After the initial series, a booster dose is recommended within one year, and then every three years after that. 

It's important to remember the "paws off the ground" rule while your puppy is still completing their Parvo vaccinations. Even with initial vaccinations, puppies are not fully immune to Parvo, so it's best to carry them in unfamiliar areas. 

Koa's parents followed the vet's advice, bleaching their backyard and adhering to all guidelines. After a three-night stay at the vet to receive fluids and medication, Koa was able to come home and is expected to make a full recovery.

Will you donate $10 today to help us continue to help fur kids get back on their paws? Donations are tax deductible. Or you can join our pack to help get fur kids back on their paws by becoming a volunteer. If you didn’t know, Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming.