The ICU takes in over 1,000 puppies a year from all over Texas and has an 88%-90% save rate. The Parvo Program at Austin Pets Alive! takes in puppies and dogs with parvovirus from the city shelter, where they would otherwise be euthanized. Our program, which is one-of-a-kind in the nation, is primarily volunteer-based and donor-funded. Since the opening of the ICU in 2010, we have saved thousands
of dogs. We are located in Austin, Texas. Parvovirus is an incredibly hardy viral disease. The virus is typically caught by young dogs who encounter it in their environment. The virus is shed in the f***s of infected dogs where it can survive and remain infectious for up to a year. With treatment, puppies have an 80-90% chance of survival. Without treatment they have only about a 20% chance. Treatment involves hospitalization for supportive care including antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections and intravenous fluid therapy and anti-nausea medications to prevent dehydration. Prevention is the key to a healthy puppy. Vaccinating your dog against parvovirus is an incredibly effective way of preventing disease. Vaccinations should begin at 6 weeks of age, and puppies should be given a booster every 2-3 weeks until at lest 16 weeks of age. Prevention is also much less expensive than treatment. While hospitalizing your puppy with a veterinarian can cost up to $3,000, vaccines only cost $15! Parvo ICU has an 85% survival rate. During parvo season (the summer), we treat an average of 20 dogs per week. Our team primarily consists of the APA! veterinarians and volunteers who perform treatments. The Parvo ICU was started in 2009 in the bathroom of the home of APA’s executive director, Dr. Jefferson. By September of 2010, APA! had built the first parvo ICU in the nation where we treat parvo puppies exclusively and are able to save many young lives. There are many ways for you to help us rescue and treat these puppies. Donate funds: http://www.austinpetsalive.org/donate/
Amazon Wishlist: goo.gl/OJsWaK
Volunteer: Send a personal message. Donation List
- Ge**er Baby Food - chicken or turkey
- Ge**er Chicken Stix
- Vienna Sausages
- Deli Meat (turkey or ham)
- Chicken Breast (plain, cooked, either fresh or frozen)
- Wet food (variety of flavors/brands preferred)
- Toilet paper
- Garbage Bags
- Bleach
- Laundry Detergent
- Alcohol 70%
- Iodine
- Famotidine (Pepcid) 10mg or 20mg tablets
- Omeprazole (Prilosec) tablets
- Cotton Balls
See our Amazon WishList for more items! Please label all donations as "For Parvo" and drop off in front of Building C at Austin Pets Alive!
