Gravy Boat came to our Reno Shelter sick and injured when she was just one month old. Based on her symptoms, and knowing that canine parvo can be fatal to puppies and dogs, our Veterinary team acted fast and began treating little Gravy Boat immediately.
As soon as we determined Gravy Boat had tested positive for parvovirus, she was treated in our isolation unit. “Parvo is an aggressive disease that can turn at any moment and end the animal’s life. Because of this we must remain vigilant and observe the animal every half hour, and be ready to go in and give additional care to ensure they have the best possible chance at recovery.” –Jennifer Beaty, NHS Medical Staff. Parvovirus is highly contagious and easily spread through direct contact with another infected dog or indirect contact with contaminated objects, it is essential that dogs being treated for parvo at our shelters remain in our isolation unit until they are fully recovered. Parvovirus is so contagious in fact, it can live in the ground for over a decade!
“I would walk by little Gravy Boat’s kennel in our isolation unit every day and she looked so sad and lonely. Our dedicated medical and dog care teams would garb up in PPE, and pay her multiple visits a day to provide care, medical treatment and love to rehabilitate this poor pup –but it was clear she was suffering. We all know how serious parvovirus is in puppies and we were routing for her.” –Greg Hall, NHS CEO
Our Medical Staff and Dog Care teams spent several weeks visiting little Gravy Boat multiple times a day to provide antibiotics, fluids, specialized food and medicine. Parvovirus is so contagious that in order to interact with Gravy Boat while ensuring the safety of the other pets in our shelter, our team members would gown-up in PPE prior to each of these visits. Our team grew very close to sweet Gravy Boat and these visits were our dedicated team members only opportunity to give this sweet girl the love and care she so desperately needed during her recovery. “While the animal recovers we ensure its comfort with heating discs, enrichment and music –even a heartbeat bear for company.” –Jennifer Beaty, NHS Medical Staff
“After several weeks of intensive care and close monitoring, little Gravy Boat began showing signs of improvement. Our team was so excited to see her take a turn for the better and we were counting down the days until she was ready to be adopted!” –Emily Lancione, NHS Animal Care Director
“Seeing the dogs we treat that are suffering from parvovirus arrive at our shelter in such rough shape and leave healthy and happy is such an amazing feeling! It makes all the work that goes into caring for these poor, sick pups more than worth it, because it’s such a heartwarming feeling to see our dogs get well and find Forever Homes!” –Jamileth Morena, NHS Dog Care Team
We are so happy to share that Gravy Boat has made a full recovery and is ready to be adopted! We will keep you posted with updates on her story and let you know when she finds her Forever Home.
If you would like to contribute to the life-saving work that goes into caring for pups like Gravy Boat, please Donate today.
In order to ensure your dog never contracts this terrible, life-threatening virus, it is essential to get them vaccinated. Parvo vaccinations are recommended for all puppies and are typically administered when your pup is 6-8 weeks old, again at 10-12 weeks of age and lastly when they are 14-16 old. A parvo booster shot is recommended one year later, and every three years after that.
If your dog or puppy has not been completely vaccinated, they should not be exposed to unvaccinated dogs or public spaces where unvaccinated dogs could have been present and introduced the virus.
Symptoms for parvovirus include; lethargy, fever, vomiting, lack of appetite, depression and severe diarrhea. If you think it’s possible that your dog or puppy could be exhibiting sypmtoms of parvovirus, contact your private veterinarian immediately.
Emergencies like Gravy Boat’s happen far too often and require a considerable amount of resources and medical supplies. Our team needs your help to ensure we can continue this important work, caring and finding homes for Northern Nevada’s shelter pets in need.