Home Visits
* We do not allow visitors from people who are just wanting to look or are still in the deciding stage of getting a puppy.
In the best interest of our puppies and adult Labradors, we are very careful about preventing the transmission of diseases.
We take every precaution that we can to make sure that our puppies are not exposed to any kinds of disease that you may carry on your shoes or even on your hands. Thorough hand washing is a must. These diseases can be picked up and carried on your shoes for days, anywhere a dog has been, parks, pet stores, rest stops, parking lots, anywhere.
We love meeting new people, however, we do not allow visitors inside our puppy room or while unvaccinated puppies are on the premises. No Exceptions. We are trying to prevent diseases.
For puppy pickups:
During visitation, We do require that you wear shoe covers before entering our house or around our kennel area. We have plastic shoe covers that we will give you to wear. So please be prepared. We hope that all of our families have the comfort of knowing that their puppies have the best possible care and protection that they can get.
We are happy to show you the parents of your puppy and our Labrador Retrievers in a designated area or our backyard.
*Also we NEVER allow any other dogs or animals around our kennels. PLEASE leave your other animals at home, as they will not be allowed out of your vehicle.
Puppies are like newborn babies, until all shots are complete, they are susceptible to many different diseases and illnesses.
PARVO is one horrible puppy virus and one that can be carried in easily if one isn’t VERY careful…
Parvo- (parvovirus), A breeder’s worst fear. Canine Parvovirus , commonly referred to as parvo, is a very serious viral disease in dogs.
The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite (anorexia). The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.
The major symptoms associated with the intestinal form of a canine parvovirus infection include severe, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, fever, vomiting, and severe weight loss. The intestinal form of CPV affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients, and an affected animal will quickly become dehydrated and weak from lack of protein and fluid absorption. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes may become noticeably red and the heart may beat too rapidly. When your veterinarian palpates (examine by touch) your dog’s abdominal area, your dog may respond with pain or discomfort. Dogs that have contracted CPV may also have a low body temperature (hupothermia), rather than a fever.
Causes of Parvo in Dogs
Most cases of CPV infections are caused by a genetic alteration of the original canine parvovirus: the canine parvovirus type 2b. There are a variety of risk factors that can increase a dog’s susceptibility to the disease, but mainly, the virus is transmitted either by direct contact with an infected dog, or indirectly, by the fecal-oral route. Heavy concentrations of the virus are found in an infected dog’s stool, so when a healthy dog sniffs an infected dog’s stool, it will contract the disease. The virus can also be brought into a dog's environment by way of shoes that have come into contact with infected feces. There is evidence that the virus can live in ground soil for up to a year. It is resistant to most cleaning products, or even to weather changes. If you need to clean up a parvovirus-contaminated area, first pick up and safely dispose of all organic material (vomit, feces, etc.), and then thoroughly wash the area with a household bleach solution, one of the few disinfectants known to kill the virus.
Improper vaccination protocol and vaccination failure can also lead to a CPV infection. Breeding kennels and dog shelters that hold a large number of inadequately vaccinated puppies are particularly hazardous places. For unknown reasons, certain dog breeds, such as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepards, English Springer Spaniels, and Alaskan sled dogs, are particularly vulnerable to the disease. Diseases or drug therapies that suppress the normal response of the immune system may also increase the likelihood of infection.
Taking precautions should never stop here, you need and should do the same when your puppy is home and until all vaccines are completed.
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