How to Care for a Puppy With Parvovirus

Puppies with parvovirus need immediate treatment to save their lives.

Parvovirus is an extremely serious condition, especially when it occurs in young puppies. The cardiac form of the virus usually attacks puppies under 8 weeks old and results in sudden death. The intestinal form is more common in older puppies and is characterized by the sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhea. Early, proper treatment for puppies with parvovirus is the only way to save the animal's life.

Things You'll Need

• Pet carrier
• Medications prescribed by a veterinarian
• Bleach

Instructions

1. Keep the puppy away from other dogs if you suspect it has parvovirus. The condition is highly contagious, and the virus can live on floors and household objects for a long time.

2. Take your puppy's food and water away as soon as it begins displaying symptoms of parvo. Although the puppy needs to stay hydrated, food and water can make vomiting and diarrhea worse. The best way for your puppy to receive fluids is through an IV at your vet's office.

3. Take your puppy to a veterinarian as soon as you suspect parvovirus. If your puppy develops symptoms while your vet's office is closed, call the answering service to see if there's an emergency number. Most areas have emergency vet clinics that stay open 24 hours a day. Immediately tell the vet's office receptionist or emergency clinic personnel that you suspect your puppy has parvovirus. They may want to isolate the puppy right away. Keep your puppy in a pet carrier until the veterinarian removes the animal. The veterinarian will mostly likely give your puppy fluids through an IV and administer drugs to control vomiting and diarrhea. Your puppy will also likely receive antibiotics to prevent against bacterial infection.

4. Follow your vet's instructions after your puppy returns home. Keep your puppy quiet and still as much as possible. Do not allow your puppy around other dogs until your vet tells you it is okay to do so. Give your puppy any medications your vet prescribes and adhere to the feeding schedule recommended to you. Most puppies recovering from parvovirus are gradually put back on solid food and are fed in small doses several times a day until they make a complete recovery.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss your concerns and questions with your veterinarian. While parvovirus does take many puppies' lives, most dogs have at least a 70 percent survival rate with proper treatment, according to the Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital in Pearland, Texas.

• Disinfect all hard surfaces the puppy has come in contact with before the puppy returns home. Use one part bleach to 30 parts water, or 4 ounces of bleach for every gallon of water to disinfect.

• Help prevent parvovirus by getting your puppy immunized at an early age. Ask your veterinarian when to start your puppy's parvovirus vaccinations.

References

• Claws and Paws Veterinary Hospital: Canine Parvovirus
• Parvovirus Infection in Dogs