For Immediate Release: June 09, 2010
Contact: Linda Lowe, (301) 883-5952

Prince George’s County Urges Preventive Pet Vaccinations

http://cms.princegeorgescountymd.gov/ExecutiveNews/default.aspx?itemid=2304

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Department of Environmental Resources’ (DER) Animal Management Group (AMG) urges responsible pet owners to have their pets vaccinated on a regular basis to prevent the onset of viral diseases such as Distemper, Parvovirus, and Rabies.

“We have noticed an increase in viral illnesses of dogs throughout the County,” says Chief Rodney Taylor, Associate Director of the Animal Management Group. “It is important for pet owners to take preventive measures in protecting their dogs against these common deadly diseases.”

Chief Taylor recommends that pet owners start protecting their dogs at an early age and that they adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule provided by their veterinarian. If your dog has not been vaccinated for Rabies or Parvovirus and Distemper, AMG strongly encourages you to take it to your local veterinarian for its vaccinations. The Prince George’s SPCA offers Rabies shots for $8 and Parvo and Distemper (DHLPP) shots for $12 on the first Sunday of every month at 8210 D’Arcy Road, Forestville, MD from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

In the event your pet becomes infected with any viral illness, AMG encourages you to not bring the pet to the Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility for surrender and that you immediately contact a local veterinarian for proper care and treatment. Listed below are some additional recommendations to help prevent the spread of the disease:

• Keep the infected dog isolated from all other pets;
• Clean up the dog’s stools in your yard;
• Use chlorine bleach and water to clean food and water bowls (make sure bowls are rinsed well after cleaning with bleach);
• Wash the bedding with a bleach solution and hot water; and
• Disinfect any other areas where the pet has been such as the linoleum, concrete kennels, crates, etc.

For more information on preventive pet vaccinations, please contact the staff at the Animal Services Facility at 301-780-7200.