FOR INFORMATION ONLY:

Parvo Virus Treatment is comprised of steps that reduce the discomfort and problems caused by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Dogs are usually kept in an animal hospital where they are given intravenous fluids and nutrients with an IV drip. Antibiotics are used in cases where infection has set in as a result of a weakened immune system. If a dog is nauseous, medications are provided to direct this symptom as well.

Canine PARVO virus is carried by dogs, many of whom show no symptoms themselves. Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious disease characterised by severe vomiting and diarrhea that is often bloody. The virus is shed in the feces of infected dogs, but can be carried on a variety of objects and can also live in soil. The virus can survive on inanimate objects, such as clothing, food dishes, and cage floors, for six months or more.

Your dog should be vaccinated for parvo as a puppy and have yearly booster shots to protect him.

If your dog has symptoms of parvo such as severe diarrhea or diarrhea that is bloody, he needs to be seen by your veterinarian for
parvo virus treatment . Take a stool sample with you so that it can be tested for traces of the virus.

Certain canine breeds seem to be more susceptible to Parvo, including Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.

There is no cure for parvovirus. Pavo virus treatment is directed at supportive therapy.

Dehydration is a big concern with all the vomiting and diarrhea and must be treated. In severe cases, intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution is required. In less severe cases, subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids are given. In addition, medications to stop vomiting (anti-emetics) and diarrhea (anti-motility drugs) may be given. Restricting food during periods of vomiting is necessary, but fresh water may be kept available.

Antibiotics are given to control secondary bacterial infections, which often set in as a dog’s immune system is compromised by CPV. After the intestinal symptoms begin to subside, a broad spectrum de-worming agent is often used, as well.

Your dog will probably have to be hospitalized for a few days to receive round-the-clock parvo virus treatment. Even after he comes home, you will need to provide a great deal of care to him. He will be weak and will need regular medications.

It's a good idea to disinfect your dog's environment if you have other dogs that visit the home. The virus is not killed by common household cleaners, but can be killed with a disinfectant labeled for this purpose such as Formula H or with 30 parts bleach to one part water. The virus does not survive long indoors, but does survive longer outdoors. Steps such as watering the lawn could help to reduce the risk to other dogs.

Your recovering pet should be kept away from other dogs for at least two months, as he will still be contagious. This also means you should not allow his feces to be left where other dogs might sniff them, either. Ask your vet when he can safely be around other dogs. Humans and cats cannot catch parvo virus, so they are safe to be around your dog.

Even with the best available care, the mortality rate with parvo virus is high. That’s why it’s so important to have your dog vaccinated and to keep his vaccinations current.

Parvo virus treatment focuses on relieving related symptoms. As indicated above, the virus primarily infects the heart and gastrointestinal system.
Source: Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine

Parvo and Your Puppies

Fast parvo virus treatment is critical in puppies since their immune system is potentially less mature than adults or if the disease is contracted before vaccination can take hold.