Parvovirus can be a threat for puppies at any age. It can be especially dangerous for pets that are out and about with other dogs, as it is transferred by contact with canine stools. Luckily, it almost never occurs after your dog is 14-months-old.
Even with preventative actions such as vaccinating, Parvovirus can attack. Parvo is a viral canine disease, and the virus grows in rapidly dividing cells such as the intestinal lining. It attacks and kills these cells and can lead to death. Parvo also causes a suppression of white blood cells and can infect the heart muscle. The key is to know what signs to look for and to get treatment immediately if Parvo is suspected.
Symptoms to Look For
- Diarrhea, bloody
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Pain when defecating
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Treatment
1. Testing – There are tests for Parvo in the stool but results can be a false positive for those puppies recently vaccinated.
2. Going By Symptoms – If the results of the test are positive and there are symptoms present, your vet will likely treat it as Parvovirus even if your puppy was recently vaccinated.
3. Fluids – Intravenous fluid is the main treatment for Parvo. Serum and colloidal fluids are used, along with traditional fluids. The colloidal fluids appear to be mainly to credit for recovery.
4. Antibiotics – These prevent secondary bacterial infections. Antibiotics such as Amoxicillin are usually used.
5. Immunity – Strengthening your puppy’s immune system, ideally before catching Parvo but also after infection, can help him fight it. Check with your vet for ideas that correlate with his medical treatment.
The good news is that about 80% of treated puppies with Parvovirus will live. But treatment is essential. Without it, about 80% will die. If your puppy shows one or more of these symptoms for more than a week, contact your vet immediately. Better to find out his stool is loose because he ate a sock than to take a chance on Parvovirus.
10 thoughts on “Parvovirus in Dogs”
So my puppy is about 7 months I caught that she wasn’t eating for 2 days took her to the vet she had parvo they gave me amoxicillin to give her every 12 hours and I take her back to give her fluids and a shot for her nausea but this morning I’m giving her, her pill and I can hear her stomach gurgling is that normal thing to hear since I know she’s trying to fight off the parvo virus ???
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out! We suggest contacting your vet who treated your puppy with this question. We hope she feels better!
Please do not use amoxicillin for treating parvovirus. It’s a viral infection. The amoxicillin is ONLY if you know for sure your pet has a secondary bacterial infection. The only way you can even know this is if you have had test ran on your pet at the veterinary hospital. Introducing the amoxicillin without a consult from a veterinarian can do more damage than good for your pet. I have worked with animals for over 16 years in veterinary medicine. Please do not give your pet any medications unless they have been administered by a veterinarian. Parvovirus is more complicated than most understand (different forms, i.e GI)
I have restored many canines that had parovirus, it is curable, but you also have to take into account that even if your dog survives they will have the virus within their immune system as well as any complications that may arise the older they get.
Kindly explain the treatment method used?
I went through the whole parvo thing, took a week of constant supervision, feeding and hydration.. Saved her life! Now shes healthy and happy!
That is aweaome. I just found out yesterday that my 4 month old puppy has parvo and I’m terrified for her.
Please tell me whatever you did please my 6vweek old puppy won’t eat, is vomiting and week 3 days now..
Hi Nina,
Thanks for reaching out. Please reach out to your vet ASAP if your dog won’t eat.
Force feed your dog. Buy pedialyte and get her hydrated every hour. Getting her hydrated is super important! My little one is on his way to recovery after the symptoms came out last thursday
Can u plz tell me what is the recovery sign of this because my pet is also suffering from this disease and now she is not eating anything and white foam vomit comes out today after 4 days treatment.. And their treatment is continue now bt i’m little woried .