Decomposer at backyard - Parvo?

[goldenlook]

Hi,
I would like to cart train my puppy (if we finally decide to have one), so I will have to carry him to his "bathroom" area in my backyard.

My concern is how safe is my backyard, regarding virus like Parvo.

The previous owners of the house has a cat, I don't think they have dogs. But I'm not sure if any dog been to the backyard.

Also, they have a decomposer at the backyard. Which I want to move the decomposer and use that area as the dog's "bathroom".

Do you think it's safe?

If I'm not 100% sure, can I put something on top to cover the soil so the puppy won't touch the soil directly?

Thanks.

[angenbear]

Just a thought, if you cart train your pup, your pup will get bigger and harder to lift when the pup gets bigger. Just curious, why would you want to cart train the pup?

[theGoldenPup]

Hehe, that's what I thought too.

But, I think you meant to type 'Crate train". For that its not necessary to carry out the puppy, though many people do the first few days.
I'm not sure about the parvo, you'll probably get a few responses about that. You can also call and ask your vet.
Thanks for being carefull!


GoldenPup

[angenbear]

Also, you might want to call a yard speciallist/gardener and ask how safe it is to move the decomposer. Maybe they have some time of fertilizer that will sterilize the yard from previous dog/cat stools?

[Cassidy'sMom]

The risk of Parvo virus is just something all dog owners have to go through. There is really nothing you can do to sterilze your yard, the park, sidewalk or outside area. Until your dog is completely vaccinated you just have to keep your fingers crossed. Even after vaccination a dog can still get Parvo, its just not life-threatening. So just keep your puppy immune system healthy with good food, vaccinations and worm-free. That's about all any new puppy owner can do.

BTW: :021 Cats do have their own version of Parvo but it's not contagious to dogs.

[goodtim'n]

Parvo is a live virus, One good way of prevention is bleach and water, with a big spray canister, the kind you use for spraying your fruit trees. If you are really concerned then do a research and find out the other owners of the property, It's any ones guess when you venture into new territory. Full vacinations is what HELPS detour the problem with parvo. But nothing is for sure. Cat's carry Feline Luekemia which is not harmful to dogs. How is the flea problem on the property????You may want to fence the area with the soiled ground till you can get it sterilized. More than likely your pup will dig into the soil, due to the odor. Not goood. Hard telling what the pup could find . Until the area is cleaned and you are comfortable with it, you may have to relocate the potty area....