Parvo is an infectious DNA virus that can cause significant ailments in dogs that are not vaccinated. It is highly contagious, unfortunately, and can spread through fecal matter. A sick dog can transmit the infection to people, especially if they do not clean properly after coming into contact with their infected feces.
Unfortunately, Parvo is a serious disease and could be fatal if left untreated in small dogs. From this, you can glean that the condition is not something to be underestimated. However, some cannot afford the vet treatments, including IV lines for fluid replacement and hospitalization.
Article Summary
Parvo Diagnosis
Vets easily diagnose Parvo by taking a stool sample and checking it for parvo antigens using s SNAP test. This is available in most clinics as it is a relatively common condition. Blood work may also be necessary to determine the levels of immune cells and the dog’s hydration.
Symptoms and Transmission of Parvo
The parvovirus attaches to the dog’s intestinal lining, resulting in inflammation and irritation. The first signs, of course, are bloody diarrhea. You will notice the stool has a very distinct bad odor. Parvovirus infections also lead to vomiting, lack of appetite and nausea. The dog will also be lethargic.
Parvo will not likely be fatal, but secondary issues such as dehydration and other opportunistic infections could be deadly. The canine parvovirus infection is not airborne; however, it can be found on numerous surfaces and is spread through contact with contaminated faces. It can survive on kennel surfaces or the paws of the infected dog. The virus is durable as it can live outdoors for several months and is resistant to disinfectants.
Home Treatment For Parvo
The veterinarian will probably recommend that the dog be admitted for 24-hour care. It may be the best thing to do, but it is very expensive and can cost thousands of dollars.
Alternatively, you can care for the dog at home, but that will mean watching them around the clock to see if the condition improves. If their symptoms begin to worsen, the only recourse for dog owners would be to take them back to the vet immediately for continued parvo treatment.
Maintain consistent hydration
The first thing you want to do is make sure the dog is not dehydrated. You can check the hydration levels by lifting the skin above the shoulder blades. If the skin snaps back into place when you let go, the dog is hydrated.
However, if it takes time before going back to its normal shape or remains in the position you left it, the dog’s hydration levels are low. You can ask the veterinarian for a sub-Q fluids kit, and they should show you how to give the fluids. You can also give your dog Pedialyte to boost the electrolytes.
Give the dog palatable food
If your pet can keep some dog food down without vomiting, then substitute the dry options with canned baby food. Neither onion nor garlic or other spices should be in the ingredients. The dog may still refuse to eat, at which point you can use a dropper to feed them from time to time. Nausea is one of the main reasons behind the inability to eat in dogs, resulting in a lack of energy, so it would be best to combat that.
Assess the gums
The gums are an indication to distinguish a healthy dog from one which is not. Dogs with blush pink gums are in good physical condition, but those with either white or dark red gums mean the opposite. If you press the gums with a finger and they do not return to their usual color, it is a signal to get to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Homeopathic treatments
You can try colloidal silver [1], a popular option for both people and animals. It is the silver that starves the virus of oxygen and causes it to die. That makes for quicker recovery as the infection strength declines. These are supplements you can get from the local health food outlet.
You can also try giving the pup Aconitum napellus 30C. It is for intense physical symptoms which happen suddenly when there is fever or stress. Parvo Nosodes are effective and economical as well for dogs. They are usually taken as a preventive option, but they are effective with other homeopathic remedies [2].
Most dog breeds that are treated with it have a high survival rate. It is not advisable to give any of the homeopathic treatments to the dog before first clearing it with the veterinarian. They should be the ones to indicate the dosage to use at home.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to treat Parvo?
It is not possible to cure parvo, but the veterinarian will provide supportive care so the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea will be alleviated as the infection subsides.
Can Parvo virus be treated at home?
For simple infections, pet owners can provide home treatment. Even adult dogs can be treated by ensuring their hydration levels are high and supplementing with effective homeopathic remedies.
Can a dog survive Parvo without being treated?
Parvovirus is a serious infection that can cause death within 48 to 72 hours if not treated. If diagnosed early, the survival rate is high. If left untreated, there is a less than 10 percent chance of survival.
