| In recent years there has been the emergence of a few more virulent parvovirus strains in dogs. Parvovirus was first documented to occur in dogs back in the 1970s, and as with many viruses, over time there can be the emergence of more virulent or deadly viruses. While these newer strains can cause more severe disease in dogs, animal guardians should know that all of the current modified live viral parvo vaccinations offer as equal protection against these new strains, and there is no need for panic or concern. |  |
As long as a dog is vaccinated with an effective modified live viral vaccination for parvovirus (over the age of 16 to 18 weeks) immunity to this vaccination lasts for several years, if not the life of an animal. Because of my concerns of overvaccination, I usually recommend measurement of parvovirus antibody titers in adult pets (over the age of 1 or 2) as if antibody titers are adequate, then vaccination is unnecessary in my opinion. The same opinions are shared by vaccine experts Ron Schultz, PhD from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Wisconsin, as well as Jean Dodds, DVM. Because I’m concerned of chronic overvaccination of dogs today, and that adult dogs are much less susceptible to clinical disease associated with parvovirus, I vaccinate adult and senior dogs with caution and only if indicated by low vaccination titers.
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