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When is it safe to get a new puppy or dog after a parvo death?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I had my puppy die of parvo a couple of weeks ago. When would it be safe for me to get a new puppy? Or should I get a grown dog?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 2nd, 2017

Hello. I am sorry about your puppy. Parvo-virus unfortunately is very good at surviving in the environment. I would recommend cleaning all surfaces of your house very well with a bleach solution to start with, and washing down with bleach any outdoor patios or gravel areas. Grass areas can be watered profusely, however parvo is able to survive freezing and over-wintering. In terms of getting another puppy, I would get a puppy that had a vaccinated mom, and a puppy that has a complete set of vaccines (has had all three vaccines, and at appropriate timing). Getting an older dog isn't a bad idea, just make sure that all vaccines were proper, as older dogs can get parvo-virus too if not vaccinated. Also, make sure you keep up to date with your new dog's vaccines especially in the first 5 years or so of life. Good luck with your next dog, and I am sorry about your previous puppy.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 17th, 2018

    Hello. I am sorry that your first puppy died from Parvo. If you keep your new pup indoors until it receives all of its puppy shots ( at 8, 12 & 16 weeks ), it will be well protected in case there is any virus left in your yard. In the meantime, along with all the housecleaning, make sure your yard is cleaned of any poop that might harbor the virus. thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 10th, 2020

    I'm sorry to hear about your puppy! The most important thing you can do with your new puppy is to make sure it is fully vaccinated, on time. The first parvovirus combination vaccine should be given between 6-8 weeks of age, and it should be boostered every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is 16-20 weeks old. Parvovirus is very persistent in the environment, and contaminated soil (that was in contact with feces from a dog with parvo) can continue to harbor the virus for up to 2 years. So, if possible, until the new pup is fully vaccinated, keep it away from any areas of the yard that your previous pup may have been using, and make sure all bedding etc is thoroughly washed. If that's impossible, then consider waiting to pick the puppy up until after it's had 1-2 boosters of the vaccine so it has some immunity to the virus. Here's a link to some more information on parvovirus. Hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/parvovirus/

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 8th, 2017

    I am so sorry your puppy died from parvo! Unfortunately. it is a very deadly disease and sometimes treatment from the vet won't work. It's just that bad a disease. You will need to disinfect your house thoroughly with bleach because parvo can live in the environment for months. There's not much you can do to disinfect your yard, so if you get another puppy, I would not take this puppy to places in the yard where your other puppy went. Parvovirus can live in the soil for months as well. I would make sure your home is thoroughly disinfected before bringing another puppy into the home, and I would consider getting an older puppy who has all it's vaccines instead of a young unvaccinated one instead to be safe. A puppy who is four months old will be fully vaccinated. I would also not get another puppy from the same place you got your first dog.

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