How to Treat Parvovirus

Parvovirus is most common in puppies.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can attack the gastrointestinal tract of unborn puppies and puppies less than four months old; however, older dogs can also become infected. In rare cases, parvovirus can damage the heart muscle of young and unborn puppies, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Symptoms of the virus include dehydration, vomiting, loss of appetite and dark, foul-smelling diarrhea. Because there is no cure for parvovirus, treatment is geared toward supporting your pet's immune system and preventing subsequent infections. Treatment must be swift and aggressive to prevent your pet's death.

Things You'll Need

• Chicken broth (low sodium)
• Medicine dropper
• Water (1 gallon)
• Bleach (1/2 cup)
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Take your dog to a veterinarian to confirm the parvovirus infection. The veterinarian will perform a fecal sample.

2. Isolate your dog. Parvovirus is extremely contagious and infected pets must be quarantined until well.

3. Prevent dehydration. Because parvovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea, you must replace your pet's fluid loss. If your pet will not drink fluids voluntarily, fill a dropper with water or low-sodium chicken broth and squeeze drops of liquid down your dog's throat. Severe dehydration may require that your veterinarian give the dog intravenous (IV) fluids.

4. Give your dog antibiotics. According to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, parvovirus kills dogs through a bacterial infection of the circulatory system. Antibiotics will kill these bacteria and should be administered by a veterinarian via injections or IV drip.

5. Kill the virus in the environment. Mix water and bleach in a spray bottle and thoroughly disinfect all areas where your pet has been as well as the area where you have it quarantined. According to Drs. Race Foster and Marty Smith, DVM, this mixture can inactivate parvovirus.

6. Prevent future infections. Have your dog vaccinated against parvovirus once it has recovered. Current vaccines protect against all strains of the virus, according to Drs. Foster and Smith.

Tips & Warnings

• Attempting to treat parvovirus without the assistance of your veterinarian may result in the death of your dog.

References

• American Veterinary Medical Association:
• Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital: Canine Parvovirus
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Treatment
• Drs. Foster and Smith: Pet Education: Parvovirus: Serious Diarrhea in Puppies and Dogs

Resources

• Vet Info 4 Dogs: Symptoms of Canine Dehydration