LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The Lake County Animal Shelter is set to provide free vaccines for your furry friends on Friday.
The shelter will be distributing parvovirus vaccine services from 10 a.m. to noon for residents’ pets at its 12280 County Road 448 location in Tavares for those who pre-register.
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According to shelter officials, canine parvovirus, which spreads by direct contact from one infected dog to another, through contaminated feces or the environment, is highly contagious and potentially deadly, but treatable through vaccination.
Shelter officials added that during May, several dogs in the community tested positive for the virus. Due to this unusually high number of cases, a drive-thru vaccination service has been set up, shelter officials said.
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The drive-thru ensures dogs remain in vehicles and are less likely to spread or contract the virus, which remains active on infected surfaces like cages, water bowls and fabrics for extended periods of time unless properly sanitized.
Parvovirus, which is much more active during the summer, produces various symptoms dog owners should look out for, including vomiting, severe diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating.
Shelter officials also said persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration and most deaths spurred by parvovirus occur within the first 48 to 72 hours of symptoms. If your dog is showing symptoms of parvovirus, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
As the Lake County Animal Shelter is currently providing extensive care to multiple dogs suffering from parvovirus, it is in need of additional supplies, such as towels and wash cloths.
To donate, please drop items off at the facility’s front door. You can also register for the shelter’s foster program to help unexposed shelter dogs stay safe or schedule a wellness appointment for your dog here.
To schedule a free distemper/parvovirus combo vaccine, use the shelter’s scheduling app.
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