Parvovirus, or parvo, is a deadly disease that ravages a puppy's body and in most cases can kill them. However, a parvo diagnosis is not an automatic death sentence. Most cases affect puppies as opposed to dogs, which is even worse because their immune systems are not as strong as an adult dog. The virus attacks the lining of the puppy's intestine and causes bloody diarrhea, depression and depletion of white blood cells. It causes sudden death when it infects the heart muscles. Treating parvovirus effectively after taking the dog home from the hospital can bring your puppy back to good health in no time.
Things You'll Need
- Determination and care
- A positive attitude
- Ground beef
- Rice
- Cottage cheese
- Possibly a syringe
Instructions
Obviously, you will want to take the puppy to the hospital to treat the virus initially. When you bring the puppy home, however, the battle is not yet over. To avoid dehydration, make sure the dog is drinking constantly. You may have to use a syringe (with no needle of course) to force them to drink. The vet may even send them home with an IV attached. If this is the case, make sure the bag is constantly full and the drip is not too slow or too fast.
Make sure the puppy is eating and not throwing up. A bland diet of cooked ground beef, rice and cottage cheese is recommended. It may sound gross, but most puppies love it and it will not make them queasy. If, however, they continue to throw it up, call your vet immediately.
The most important aspects to worry about after vet care are hydration, nutrition and medicine. Make sure the puppy is getting all of the medicine at the correct time. Closely monitor the dog's daily progress and he or she should soon be back to good health.