We would like to advise you that we have seen an unusual increase in cases of parvo virus from the local area since the start of March

About Parvovirus

It is a serious and life-threatening disease, particularly for dogs under 12 months of age.  
Symptoms: Initial vomiting which progresses to bloody diarrhoea, lack of appetite and collapse.

How it spreads: The virus is spread through faeces and can survive on pavements, soil and other surfaces for many months. There is currently an increased risk of parvovirus to dogs in our area.

What should I do now?

If your dog has never been vaccinated (any age):
OR If your adult dog is not up to date with annual booster vaccinations

please contact the practice to book your vaccinations as soon as possible

Puppies under 4 months old

Puppies are protected against parvovirus by their routine vaccination course, which is usually given at 8 and 12 weeks of age, followed by annual booster vaccinations. If your dog is not up to date with these vaccinations, please contact the practice to book your vaccination appointment.

Young dogs between 4 and 14 months old

During a parvovirus outbreak, it is recommended that the first booster vaccination (usually given 12 months after the puppy course) is brought forward for dogs under 14 months old. This maximises immunity to the virus.

Dogs between 4 and 14 months old that have had their puppy vaccination course but not their booster, should therefore be booked in to receive their first booster as soon as possible.

Once this early booster is given, their next booster will be due 12 months from that date.

Adult Dogs (over 14 months old)

If you have an adult dog that is up to date with their booster vaccinations, you do not need to do anything other than continue with this regime. Please contact us if you have any concerns or if your dog is showing signs of ill health

Further information

• Vaccination appointments can be booked online at https://rvc.uk.com/bsah-book or by telephone on 020 7387 8134
• The cost of an initial puppy vaccination course (parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis) is £105
• The cost of a dog booster vaccination is £63
• The Pet Health Plan is a monthly direct debit scheme which spreads the cost of preventative health care for cats and dogs at a discounted rate – further information is available at https://rvc.uk.com/pet-health-plan

Pets on the Pet Health Plan that require the early booster will receive this as part of their plan, with no additional fee to pay.

• Standard puppy vaccinations are licensed to be given at 8 and 12 weeks, with a booster 12 months later. This is the usual recommendation at Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital. Giving the booster earlier (between 4 and 14 months of age) during an outbreak is “off license” use of the vaccination but is recommended by the vaccination company in the face of an outbreak and is supported by scientific studies. The early booster protects puppies whose early vaccination course might not have been fully effective due to interference by their mothers’ antibodies persisting in their bloodstream