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My dog died from parvo. Is a new vaccinated puppy still at risk?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Spitz | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 2 months old

My Shih Tzu died because of Parvo Virus 4 days ago. If i buy now a new puppy with complete vaccine, is the new one still danger in Parvo Virus?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 23rd, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss. Yes, there's a good chance the new puppy will still be at risk even if she has had a parvo vaccine. Puppies do not achieve full immunity to parvovirus until they've received the full vaccination course. This means they are vaccinated monthly for parvovirus starting around 8 weeks old until they are over 16 weeks old. If they have not received the full series they are still at risk for parvo. If the puppy has received the full parvovirus vaccine series then they are likely protected. However, no vaccine is 100% perfect so there is still a mild risk to the new puppy. Also, because parvovirus can remain in the environment for a full year or longer it is highly likely there is parvo in the household or yard.

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10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 8th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Firstly, I’m sorry for the loss of your first puppy. Unfortunately, your new puppy is still very much as risk of getting parvo. A pup is not considered protected until the vaccine series is completed at 16-20 weeks of age. The virus is very hardy. It can live on normal surfaces for weeks or months and can live in moist soil for YEARS. And the other problem is that it doesn’t take many virus particles to cause disease. I usually recommend that owners bleach as much of the house as possible after a parvo puppy and that they not get a new puppy for at least 6 months. My recommendation is for you to keep your puppy strictly indoors (no time in the yard) and to keep him confined to an area that has been thoroughly cleaned with bleach (kitchen, etc) until his last puppy vaccines are completed in about 6-10 weeks. Obviously at the first sign of vomiting or diarrhea, he needs to be tested for parvo since he is considered high risk. Best wishes to you and Max.

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    Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 3rd, 2018

    Thanks for the question. If you first puppy received 3 parvo vaccinations, at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, that would be highly unusual to get the disease. This vaccine is normally very effective. It would make me wonder if that puppy had a problem with its immune system and didn't build up immunity after the vaccinations like it should have, or if there was a problem with the vaccine itself. Unfortunately, at this point, it is too late to make those determinations. With the new puppy, be sure Leeza receives the 3 vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. You said she is 7 weeks and has received the first vaccination. If she just received that vaccine, it is probably fine, but if she received it at 5 or 6 weeks, then I would make sure she gets a 4th vaccine. I hope this helps, and that Leeza stays healthy and happy.

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