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Parvo shot: How long until it works & are older dogs immune?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 9 years and 3 months old | 7 lbs

Is it true that older a dog gets even if not vaccinated harder it is for the dog to get parvo? And also if I go get my dogs parvo shot today how long does it take till it starts working?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 1st, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question! It is true to some extent that the older a dog is, the stronger his immune system will be and better able to withstand viral or bacterial illnesses. However, it does not make him immune. It is best to get him vaccinated regularly to ensure the antibodies against parvovirus are at high enough levels in the body to be protective. In regards to your second question, it takes about 48 hours for the parvo vaccine to be integrated into the body and to become effective. I hope this helps, and that Crystal is happy and healthy!

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