Our puppy is coming home to us in 4 weeks (bedlington terrier pup). Our backyard gets visited by a hare or two (my husband is going to fix the spaces under our new fence(on a hill so it was a bit tricky)). Can our new pup get parvo from the visiting hares or is it just a canine thing?

Thanks :)

Hi,
Pup should be quite safe - I don't know of any diseases that cross from hares to dogs.

However, make absolutely certain there are no gaps under the fence - an adult Bedlington can fit through a gap big enough for a hare, so pup could vanish in a flash.

Maybe hares don`t suffer from the Parvo virus but they will certainly be able to carry it, just like anything else that passes the viruses path!!!!!
Christine, Spain.

How long does the virus last outside? My husband is going to fix the fence when he gets a day off (which is hardly ever).

Hi B/Bell, it can survive for up to a year & likes warmth.
Christine, Spain.

Parvo is an air borne virus so fences don't help much! We can all bring it in on our clothes/bodies etc. Other bacterial infections are mainly transmitted through urine and faeces, and so disinfecting shoes can help.

When I have a litter of pups, they all spend time in my garden, weather permitting, but until they go to their new homes, they are supposed to be protected by their Mother's immunity. When I come in, and everyone who visits, walks through Parvocide disinfectant. I would spray them too if I thought that they may carry a special risk. I keep that up until the pup I keep is fully protected.

The bottom line is that nothing is foolproof, even vaccinations, and we can only do our considered best.

Wow, it's amazing we stay sane trying to protect our puppies and dogs!! There's so much to worry about. Yet I know people who do no breed research, don't know anything about training - and it seems to work. :)