What causes Parvo in dogs? Explore the signs and symptoms of Parvo in dogs. Also, learn the causes of this disease and how to get rid of and prevent it. What is the recovery time for parvo in dogs? Read on to discover effective treatments and home remedies for parvo in your dogs.
Parvo in Dogs Symptoms
Parvo dog’s disease also called parvovirus. Dogs with parvovirus might vomit and have some amount of bloody diarrhea with some amount of abdominal pain. Normally, the excrement of the dog has an unusual offensive odor which is brought about by blood in the stool.
With parvo, intestinal bleeding happens in the small intestine so that the blood is then partially digested and thus passes out as black, tarry feces (known as melena).
Dogs that are experiencing parvovirus become thin and very weak. They are much dehydrated and the skin appears “tented” when it is pinched rather than it falling back into place. Tenting is a classic indication of dehydration. The gums in mouth are usually tacky rather than being moist, and the eyes look sunken.
Bacteria growing in blood is known as septicemia. Septicemia is brought about when bacteria in intestines travel through the intestinal wall and then move directly into blood.
Some of the dogs are dehydrated and septicemic so fast that they die before diarrhea happens. This is due to the fact that dogs experiencing septicemia have high fevers and might go into a lot of shocks.
Some dogs having parvovirus will have mild infections and few indications of infection. It’s very much possible to have some of the dog’s young ones in a litter having mild infections and others having very severe infections.
Therefore, in summary, the dog will experience the below as highlighted above;
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Offensive stool odor brought about by presence of blood
- Intestinal bleeding
- Weakness
- Skin tenting
- Tacky gums
Parvo in Dogs Pictures
If you do not know the symptoms of parvo in dogs, the illustrate pictures we have inserted in this post will be helpful to you. The pictures are distributed in relevant sections throughout this post.
What Causes Parvo in Dogs
Canine parvovirus is brought about by infection with CPV. All dogs are at risk of developing canine parvovirus. Puppies who are less than 5 months old and dogs which have never been vaccinated against the virus are at a higher risk of infection.
Newborn puppies get antibodies from their mothers which assist in providing immunity, but immunity to the virus reduces before the puppies’ immune systems are fully developed to get rid of the virus and thus fight off infection.
Dogs in pet stores and breeding kennels also are at a higher infection risk for parvo in dogs. Overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions can, therefore, make it easier for the virus to quickly spread. Some breeds of dog (e.g., spaniels, Doberman pinschers) and dogs who are experiencing another health condition might have an increased risk of developing severe disease.
How to Get Rid of Parvo in Dogs
Up until recently, there were never drugs that had been indicated to cure or get rid of the parvovirus. The virus was treated with extensive and aggressive supportive care.
The best method that can be sued to combat the virus is by controlling the symptoms as best as possible using medications which helps control vomiting and diarrhea including administering antibiotics.
It is also relevant to boost the dog’s immune system and ensure to give it support so that it better fights off the disease on its own. Intravenous fluids are part of supportive care routine that is done so as to try to avoid any kind of dehydration.
All of these methods of getting rid of parvo in dogs together with close monitoring are the only indicated ways that are used to assist a dog while it fights the vicious onset of dehydration and a severely compromised immune system.
Despite all of the interventions mentioned above, sometimes the virus would still prove to be very fatal. This is the reason as to why it was stressed that it is very crucial to be sure that your dog was properly immunized against parvovirus.
Home Remedies for Parvo in Dogs
Canine parvovirus is a contagious viral disease which is normally spread by fecal matter. People, animals and inanimate objects can spread the virus if they are not well cleaned after being into contact with the virus.
If left untreated, parvo is deadly, especially for the young dogs. Initial veterinary care is important for a dog having parvo, but there are several ways that can be used to keep costs down by giving a follow-up care at home.
Your vet will recommend that you keep your dog boarded at their facility so as to receive a 24-hour care, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
Rather than keeping your dog hospitalized for a period of time until he is well, you have the option to also bring the dog home after the appointment and therefore save on costs.
Should you choose to continue caring for the dog at home, then you must watch him closely, and if any of symptoms of parvo in dogs appears to worsen or even become frequent, then you should bring your dog back into vet’s office immediately.
1. Hydration is Key
Dehydration is a common cause of death for a dog having parvo, so keeping your dog by constant hydration can be very important. Ask your veterinarian for fluids kit that you can bring home with you and have him show you how to administer them. Ensure to ask how often your dog should receive the fluids so that he is properly hydrated.
Your dog’s electrolytes can also be depleted. You can also administer Pedialyte by putting it into your dog’s water. This can assist to replenish the electrolytes. Consult your veterinarian on the correct dosage of Pedialyte for your dog.
2. Introduce Food Slowly
When your dog is very weak or nauseous to eat, you may turn to various supplements such as Nutri-Stat for the under $6, and then feed him using very small doses at a time. High calorie, enough amount of vitamin that are packed supplements in small doses can be easier to get your dog take than a regular meal.
Once your dog has completely stopped vomiting and appears to be gaining some amount of energy, entice him with wet food so as to see if he can then start to eat. Only give small amounts at a time so that he doesn’t start vomiting again from taking too much food quickly. Once your dog begins to eat regularly again, he will then start to regain his strength.
3. Homeopathic Remedy
Colloidal silver has been said to assist humans and animals who are experiencing ailments from the disease. The silver usually deprives the viral pathogens of oxygen, starving the virus and making it die, which can make recovery to be much quicker for your dog. Supplements may be purchased at your local health food store for around $20.
Never give any homeopathic treatments to your dog before consulting your veterinarian. Ask the vet about proper dosing, if he has experience of using the treatments for the virus, and if thinks the homeopathic remedy is appropriate to use on your dog, more especially in combination with antibiotics that he prescribes.
4. Clean Diligently
The small pieces of fecal matter that emanate from your infected dog can be contagious, so it is very important to clean any area that your dog has come into contact with by use of bleach.
If you come into contact with the parvo and you do not properly clean yourself or even the surface, then you may spread the parvo in dogs to others through touching or walking outside and then infecting the soil from shoes. Use of latex gloves and disposable shoe covers when handling your dog can assist to keep the infection from spreading.
If you have any other pets, it is better to ensure that they are kept away from your sick dog in one room so as to keep others from getting infected with the parvo or carrying the germ to any other area.
Parvo in Dogs Treatment (Cure)
Veterinary treatment for dogs with parvovirus
A dog having parvovirus should receive veterinary care. Treatment might include the below;
- IV fluids so as to counter dehydration
- Antibiotics which are used to prevent septicemia
- Probiotics so as to replenish the intestinal flora
- Injectable vitamins, more especially Vitamins B & C to assist the immune system
- Colostrum to give antibacterial elements that are used fight the infection within the gut
- Glucosamine so as to coat the intestines
Recommended for dogs with parvovirus
Give dogs having parvovirus Fast Balance-G.I. so as to repopulate any damaged intestine with enough amount of good bacteria. Provide frequent feeding of smaller amounts of the warmed chicken broth. Once the vomiting has subsided, add mashed potato to warmed broth and then continue feeding on smaller amounts.
If your dog’s symptoms continue to improve, then add a small amount of chicken to the broth and the mashed potato. For a dog that is allergic to chicken, try to dilute cottage cheese and some amount of rice or a form of rice baby food which is acceptable.
Human drinks, like Gatorade and sports drinks, are not recommended for rehydrating dogs as they are high in carbohydrates. They may be used for a short period of time. Meat broth is recommended for dehydrated pets.
Vaccinations for parvovirus
Vaccination assists the dogs to avoid symptoms of parvo in dogs. Many dogs who are vaccinated as puppies normally maintain resistance to any infection that appears throughout life. In part, the protection is given by antibodies made by the dog’s white blood cells.
To confirm that your dog is fully protected, have your vet draw some amount of blood and then measure the level of antibodies of parvo.
This antibody level, also known as a titer, is a gauge of your dog’s protection against the disease. Many of the dog day care facilities accept titer tests as protection rather than the dogs being re-vaccinated annually.
Probiotics for parvovirus
In addition to having vaccine-induced antibodies, you may also assist to prevent parvovirus by promoting good bacteria in your dog’s intestines. Healthy bacteria assists your dog to resist all types of infection. Feeding Digestive Enzymes plus Probiotic is a perfect way that can be used to maintain good intestinal bacteria.
Decrease your dog’s risk by deworming
Dogs having intestinal worms tend to have a weaker immune system, which then puts them at a greater risk of contracting parvo in dogs. Prevent worms by use of monthly heartworm medication which includes an intestinal dewormer. For instance, use Revolution. All heartworm medications need a prescription from your vet.
An alternative is worming your puppy or dog about 3 times a year using an over-the-counter medication, like the Panacur C.
Parvo in Dogs Recovery Time
When caring for a pet that is suffering from parvo, most of the owners would want to understand the average recovery period of time for an infected dog. This is a guide which explains the recovery time for a dog that has parvo.
It will take approximately 1 week to 14 days for your dog to strengthen again. Introduce food in small bits as the stomach might have shrunk and can thus be quite tender.
Also be very careful on the amount of running around that you allow for about 2 days as although the dog can be feeling a little bit better it can tire easily. The main thing is that you have already got through the crisis.
Parvo in Dogs Recovery Survival Rate
Despite the media scares and the veterinary warnings, Parvo also has a survival rate of about 90%. That doesn’t imply that about 10% of puppies die from Parvo, it actually implies that 10% of puppies who are exposed to it – and catch it – can die. The survival rate, on the other hand, is highly influenced by treatment options.
Is Parvo in Dogs Contagious
According to en.wikipedia.org, canine parvovirus type 2 is a contagious virus that mainly affects dogs, and thought to originate in the cats. The current consensus that was deliberated after research is that the feline panleukopenia mutated into being CPV2.
Parvo in dogs is very contagious and is normally spread from one dog to another by direct or even indirect contact with feces. Vaccines might prevent the infection, but mortality may reach about 90% in untreated cases. Treatment involves veterinary hospitalization. Canine parvovirus can also infect any other mammals; but, it cannot infect humans.
How to prevent Parvo in Dogs
Parvovirus, also called parvo, is a contagious viral infection that affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It leads to very severe bloody sickness and diarrhea, which leads to rapid dehydration and dangerous blood loss.
Without treatment, the condition is fatal, and even with the supportive care, the puppy may be left with some damaged heart muscles or even permanent damage to walls of the gut. Instead of heartbreak and expense of treating the puppy for parvo, prevention is a better option.
Preventing Parvo in Dogs
- Vaccinate your puppy.
Vaccination is the best method that is commonly used to prevent parvo in dogs. There are effective vaccines that are available, and puppies should, therefore, start injections from the age of six to eight weeks of age. The puppy should then have repeat doses every four weeks until around 17 weeks of age.
The doses have to be repeated as protective antibodies from the mother might cancel out some of the vaccine’s effectiveness. Repeat doses are required so as to counteract this effect.
- Get booster shots.
The initial vaccine is the first step that is applied to prevent of parvo in dogs. To keep the dog protected, you should continue getting booster shots. A booster needs to be given 1 year after initial vaccine. Then, your dog requires a booster every four years thereafter.
Protocols vary, depending on vaccine brand and the clinical protocols.
- Minimize contamination.
Puppies are at a higher risk for parvo in dogs as their immune systems are still immature, so even they have already started vaccination, it is important to avoid areas of contamination or any possible contamination.
To minimize any contamination, don’t put the dog on the ground in public places or even visit dog parks until after final vaccine.
- Keep your puppy away from any feces because the virus is spread through the feces.
- When visiting the vet clinic for vaccinations, keep the puppy in arms in waiting area and do not put him on ground.
- Take precautions when parvo is in the area.
If you have knowledge that there is a parvo outbreak in your area, you should then ensure that you take special precautions around your puppy.
- Change your shoes at the door to avoid bringing the infection inside the house walking.
- Wash hands before handling your puppy when you have any parvo around.
- You can then change your clothes, especially if you have touched any other dog.
- Disinfect any potentially contaminated areas.If one of the dogs is having parvo, or other dogs have entered your yard, then take precautions.
If you also have a yard at a place where other unknown dogs usually roam, then consider keeping the puppy in a smaller, controlled area until the last vaccine or wash the yard down using diluted bleach.
If one of your dogs is experiencing parvo, then disinfect the area that he has been using a diluted bleach solution.
- While washing floors, then let the diluted bleach sit for a period of 15 minutes before rinsing.
- Wash out any food and the water bowls using diluted bleach if they are exposed to parvovirus. Make sure that you rinse the bowls well using running water.
- Most of the household disinfectants do not in any way deactivate parvo. Instead, make sure that you use a bleach solution of about 10 parts water to a single part of bleach.
- Limit the puppy’s exposure to other dogs.
You should ensure that you keep your puppy away from any other dog until he has the first two vaccinations. This assists to protect the puppy from acquiring the virus from dogs that might be showing no symptoms of parvo in dogs.
It is of importance to socialize the puppy with many other dogs, but ensure that you chose those dogs very carefully. Make sure that you know the dog very well and that the other dog is still fit and healthy. It is important that the other dog be have been vaccinated.
It is then a calculated risk where you weigh the benefits of the socialization with the chance of infection. Depending on how well you understand the dog and trust that they are well, the risk should be slimmer. But, do not mix with all the unvaccinated dogs if your puppy is not very protected.
Recognize the Symptoms of Parvovirus
- Notice any lethargy.The initial indication for parvo in dogs is lack of energy as the dog normally develops a fever. This implies that your dog might eventually stop participating in any normal activities or just lay around more. Your dog can stop eating, which causes loss of energy. Lethargy can as well be a symptom of several other diseases, so you should ensure that you pay attention to all other symptoms or even take your dog to the vet.
- Look for bloody diarrhea.The main symptom of the parvo in dogs is bloody diarrhea. The diarrhea is liquid and might also be red in color. It can also have a very foul smell. The feces can be dark in color instead of being red.
- Check for vomiting.The dog can have a lot of trouble keeping anything in the system, so vomiting is an indication of parvovirus. The dog can drink so as to try and replace fluids but this comes straight back up again. The vomiting is second to diarrhea. Dogs usually go downhill quickly with the condition and can even die from blood loss and dehydration in 48 hours.
Dealing with Parvovirus
- Take your dog to the vet urgently.Parvovirus is a very quick acting virus that might cause death. If you suspect that the dog is having parvovirus, then seek urgent veterinary attention. A dog can die within three days if he has parvo. With early treatment, then the dog has a higher chance of making it. Make sure that you alert the vet about your suspicions before taking the dog in the office so that they make provisions to quarantine the animal so that it doesn’t be a risk to any other available patients.
- Treat the virus with supportive care.Since parvo is normally a virus, there is no provided cure for it. Instead, the puppy is treated just by use of supportive care. This includes fluids that assist with dehydration, controlling of diarrhea and vomiting, treating any other secondary infections. Often, the dog stays in the hospital for up to 1 week.
Our Sources and References
- Parvovirus Symptoms in Dogs: http://www.1800petmeds.com/education/parvovirus-symptoms-dogs-30.htm
- Causes and Risk Factors for Canine Parvovirus: http://www.healthcommunities.com/canine-parvovirus/causes-symptoms.shtml
- How To Get Rid Of Parvo: http://www.dogsbynina.com/how-to-get-rid-of-parvo/
- Home Remedy for Puppy Parvo: http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Home_Remedy_for_Puppy_Parvo
- Parvo puppy home remedies: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Parvo-puppy-home-treatments
- Parvovirus Treatment for Dogs: http://www.1800petmeds.com/education/parvovirus-treatment-dogs-30.htm
- Recovery Time for Dog With Parvo: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79201022.tip.html
- Canine parvovirus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_parvovirus
- How to Prevent Parvovirus in Dogs: http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Parvovirus-in-Dogs
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