INDIANAPOLIS — As COVID-19 concerns consume many people in Central Indiana, animal advocates are reminding pet owners about a dangerous and contagious virus impacting dogs, parvovirus.
LittleFoote was dumped by his owner at six months old, and his foster mom brought him to Lucci’s House Bully Rescue.
LittleFoote spent more than a week at Noah’s Westside Animal Hospital recovering from parvovirus—which is highly contagious and often fatal in dogs, especially in puppies and young dogs.
“It just makes me very sad that something that could’ve so easily been avoided is once again threatening our animals and I worry that there will not be enough attention paid to parvo this season with the COVID-19 stuff going on,” said rescue director Laurie Collins.
The rescue spent more than $6,000 to save LittleFoote.
“It’s really sad to think that a $15 vaccination would’ve prevented this,” said Collins.
Treatment for parvo often involves intensive and expensive veterinary hospitalizations with a 25% fatality rate.
Animal advocates say the disease is very preventable with a single vaccination.
SOAR (Street Outreach Animal Response), in partnership with FIDO (Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside), is offering a free drive-through dog vaccination clinic on Saturday, May 30.
Date: Saturday May 30, 2020
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: parking lot of the FIDO warehouse, located at 1505 N Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46201
During the summer months in Indianapolis, veterinary clinics in Central Indiana are overwhelmed with dogs infected with the parvovirus.
Symptoms include lethargy, no appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
The disease is spread from dog to dog and can survive in the environment for many months, said FIDO director Darcie Kurtz.
If left untreated, there is a greater than 90% fatality rate, said Kurtz.
Vaccinations will be provided while supplies last, and rabies vaccinations will be provided only between 10 am and 1 pm and will be administered by a veterinarian.
Dogs must be kept in the car on a secure leash until they are ready to be vaccinated.
The event will also offer scheduling for free spay/neuter for both dogs and cats at a later date.
