Medicines for the Dog Parvo Virus

Canine parvovirus, or CPV, is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs in the United States. According to Pet Education, the disease spreads through contact with infected feces and is characterized by foul-smelling diarrhea, which is often bloody. Symptoms include vomiting, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, fever and a lowered white blood cell count. Although you can vaccinate dogs against parvovirus, the vaccines are not always effective. The mortality rate for infected dogs is 10-35%; if you suspect your dog has parvovirus, seek veterinary attention immediately.

  1. Electrolyte Solution

    • The vomiting and diarrhea associated with parvovirus quickly leads to dehydration in dogs. Re-hydrate animals intravenously using a balanced electrolyte solution. This is the single most important treatment in curing parvovirus.

    Reglan or Tigan

    • Control the severe intestinal cramping associated with parvovirus by administering medications such as metoclopramide. Ron Hines, DVM, suggests Reglan 0.1-0.25 mg/lb three to four times a day, or trimethobenzamide, also called Tigan, 1.5 mg/lb four times a day.

    Keflin

    • Dogs with parvovirus are susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Prevent or treat these infections by administering antibiotics, such as cephalothin, also sold as Keflin. Treat your dog with 5-15 mg/lb of medication four times per day via intramuscular injection, or intravenously.

    Torbugesic

    • Give medication such as butorphanol tartrate, marketed as Torbugesic 0.05-0.1 mg/lb to dogs to help alleviate the physical pain associated with parvovirus.

    Strongid or Nemex

    • Many dogs with parvovirus will need to be de-wormed when intestinal symptoms have subsided. Common medications for the treatment of worms include pyrantel pamoate, such as Strongid or Nemex 2.5 mg/lb.

    Blood Transfusions

    • In severe cases of parvovirus, a dog may need a blood transfusion to replace blood lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Infected dogs exhibiting symptoms of shock receive corticosteroids to combat this symptom.