How to recognize and treat parvo
Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a disease that is common in dogs, especially puppies and certain breeds such as German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. Parvo can spread through contact with fecal waste containing the virus or with infected objects, including food bowls. Puppies who contract the disease and go untreated can die from dehydration. Having your puppy vaccinated and knowing the signs of the illness can help save your dog's life.
Things You'll Need
- Intravenous fluids
- Antivomiting medication
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Antibiotics
- Bleach
- Water
- Sponge
- Soap
- Parvo vaccination
Instructions
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Understand the Symptoms
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Recognize disease symptoms. It can take one to two weeks before symptoms manifest.
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Watch for vomiting, which can become severe. Diarrhea often occurs as well, and may have a bloody appearance.
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3
Lethargy isn't a good sign. Observe your dog for a change in behavior. If your dog loses interest in playing, doesn't want to eat or seems depressed, a visit to your veterinarian is necessary. Your veterinarian can take blood and stool samples to diagnose parvo.
Treatment and Prevention
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Your dog may require hospitalization. Hospitalize your dog. Replace your dog's lost fluids by having your veterinarian administer an IV. In severe cases, antiemetic medication may be necessary to combat vomiting. Antidiarrheal medications and antibiotics may also be given.
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Sterilize your home when your dog exhibits symptoms. Combine 1/2 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water.
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Clean food bowls, water bowls and your dog's crate (if you own one) with the bleach solution and a sponge. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling your puppy. Launder your dog's bedding on your hottest washing machine cycle, and use bleach to disinfect the bedding. Regular detergent cannot kill the parvovirus.
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Vaccinate your puppy. Vaccinate your puppy between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Revaccinate your puppy every three weeks until it reaches 20 weeks of age.
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Ensure your puppy receives a booster vaccination at one year of age. Afterwards, keep vaccinations up-to-date.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't allow your dog to go untreated if it becomes infected with parvo.
If your dog has the virus, avoid walking it in parks or taking it to pet stores, where it can potentially expose other dogs.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images Janie Airey/Lifesize/Getty Images David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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Comments
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I had a siberian husky my baby it got sick I took it to the vet and that told me that it might have parvo I did not know what was they told me to hospitise it they wanted 786.00 I did not have that kind of money so they said that I could take it home and take care of it myself so they gave me iv and med to take care of it so I did but in a hour after I brouht him home he died it still cost me 214.00 I miss him so iam a animals does not matter what kind I sill love them don't let your animal go untented when they act sick.
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Hi Lana,I hear you,I am a dog lover actually i am a bit obsessed with dogs,we have a lot of strays as well,it is so scary,because if the puppies were not vac.for parvo,and a puppy in your neighborhood,most likely had parvo,the risk is very high.This is a deadly infection and highly contagious.people need to be responsible pet owners,but that is a whole different subject...good luck
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I had a stray pup I took in my house to feed because it looked hungry, it had diarrhea and I cleaned that up with bleach and bleached my floors, it threw up on the front porch, it was a lot of grass, I bleached my porch as well. I thought it had ran off after some kids because it had followed the mail man all the way down the street but then came back. Well, a few days later I found him dead behind my house, just a few days ago. The neighbors brought a puppy over earlier tonight and I'm so worried about it! I don't know if that stray had parvo or not and they said they found this puppy (who is much younger) roaming the streets now I am concerned that if the other puppy did have Parvo then this one is going to get it too. I don't want another dead puppy on my hands, I love dogs. I told the neighbors I didn't want to bring her into the house because of the risk of Parvo but I am not very good at saying no and in this neighborhood there are strays running around everywhere.
