Parvo is a virus that affects dogs and is highly contagious. The medical term for Parvo is Canine parvovirus type 2. This virus is said to have originated in cats, and speculation is that the virus is known as feline panleukopenia transformed into Canine parvovirus type for Dogs, 137 grams 2. This virus spreads when one dog comes into direct or even indirect contact with the dog’s feces that has this virus. A vaccine gives puppies and dogs a great advantage as this infection can be prevented through vaccination. In cases where dogs are left, the untreated mortality rate is approximately 91%.
As a dog lover, you should understand that your dog could fall ill to various conditions. Although some of these conditions are mild, others can be dangerous and life-threatening. The Parvovirus falls within the latter category. If your dog contracts Parvo, it is essential to take action immediately. Below, you will learn more about this condition and potential treatment options.
Prevention
The only genuine prevention for parvovirus is the 5—in1 (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza) vaccine. It is crucial to have your puppy vaccinated appropriately and be sure to keep their vaccination record up-to-date. The first part of the vaccine should be administered between the ages of 6-8 weeks, with a follow-up booster administered between 16-20 weeks of age.
Diagnosis
If you notice that your puppy is beginning to exhibit the parvovirus’s signs, you must immediately take him to the veterinarian. Your puppy will need to undergo several diagnostic tests to determine the real diagnosis. A stool sample will be taken, which is part of the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test. This test takes about 15 minutes to get the results, but a follow-up blood test may also be needed because the ELISA test is not 100% sensitive.
Signs and Symptoms of parvo
Since you know your dog better than anyone else, you should be able to immediately identify a problem by being aware of a change in behavior. If you notice a significant difference in your dog, you should take note immediately. Although this might not directly point to parvo, it could help you identify another complication. Below, you will find some of the most common signs and symptoms of the Parvovirus.
- Extreme lethargy or laziness
- Frequent and intense vomiting
- Lack of appetite and refusal to eat anything
- Bloody diarrhea, which has a foul odor
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, you should act immediately. Remember that constant diarrhea and vomiting can lead to extreme dehydration, which could be life-threatening. Therefore, you should seek out medical assistance immediately.
These symptoms are listed below:
- Vomiting and diarrhea result in dehydration and other infections.
- Due to dehydration, the electrolyte balance within a dog’s body gets affected.
- Since the intestinal lining is significantly affected, protein and blood make their way into the intestines, causing loss of protein, blood, and anemia. Due to this, endotoxins make their way into the bloodstream and then wreak havoc by causing endotoxemia.
- This infection is such that it produces a distinct odor, especially in later stages.
- White blood cell count falls drastically, which causes even more weakness.
- All these factors may result in shock and eventual death.
Effective home remedies
Home remedies for parvo work amazingly and display great results in the majority of cases. When you cannot afford veterinary care or treatment for your dog, you should employ these home remedies as soon as possible. Remember that a dog does not have a lot of time as the virus is steadily affecting its body’s major systems. After you begin home, remedies for parvo maintain a record of everything you do, and if you do not see improvement within 6 hours, you need to take your dog to the vet immediately. There is a limited amount of time in which you can save your dog; hence you need to act quickly and meticulously.
- The very first remedy for parvo is definitely to keep your dog hydrated. Parvo is an infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting, both of which can lead to severe dehydration. A dog may not want to eat or drink, but you should force-feed water.
- To treat diarrhea, use Pepto Bismol, and administer doses using a syringe. (I suggest you buy a liquid Pepto Bismol because it is easier to administer to your dog)
- To cure this infection, you need to create a solution. In a one-liter bottle, fill one cup of water and fill up the rest using Pedialyte that contains zinc. Also, add one activated charcoal tablet after you have crushed it well. You are now using a syringe feed 10 ml doses of this solution to your dog. It is necessary to administer 10 ml doses every 15 minutes.
- If your dog shows signs of improvement within 4 hours, administer 10 ml doses every 30 minutes.
- Recovery will become apparent within 8 hours, after which you should feed boiled rice and broth to your dog. This diet should be continued for three days, after which soft food should be fed.
- After the infection is cured, disinfect the floor, and all other objects your dog came into contact with as parvo is extremely contagious, and the disease may reoccur.
The safest solution to cure the parvovirus with medical anti-viral treatment
It is possible to rectify parvo by using some effective home remedies, although some conditions require professional medical treatment. This medication is capable of curing your dog with a few doses. Below, you will learn more about the best ways to treat parvo from your home.
Below the most effective treatments to cure parvo at home
Alternatives
Although there are many excellent products out there that can help, a handful of helpful products should not be ignored. Pepto Bismol, which is frequently used by humans, can also help dogs! This medication is safe and effective. By administering the remedy to your dog, you can help them overcome diarrhea and their upset stomach. Electrolytes supplements are another excellent option that will prevent them from dehydrating.
Finally, Colloidal Silver for Dogs is another option. This particular product can be utilized to help your dog overcome an assortment of different ailments. It can also act as an antibiotic. The amount of Colloidal Silver that should be given to your dog will vary based on their weight and overall size. Using one or more of these products will be possible to remedy your dog’s ailment and allow them to get back to normal life much more rapidly.
While it is important to treat your puppy with medications, many home remedies effectively treat this infection’s symptoms:
- Chamomile tea is another excellent herbal remedy that will not only hydrate the puppy but will also help it relax and sleep. Please do not force the puppy to consume the fluids, but instead, introduce them gradually. If vomiting occurs, wait for a while before offering them to him again.
- Ginger tea also contains digestive properties that are capable of calming the digestive systems. Place about 1 milliliter of ginger tea in a dropper and place it inside the puppy’s mouth. Do not force him to consume the liquids because they can cause him to become sick to his tummy.
- White willow bark contains fever-reducing properties, but this herb may be challenging to find. Be sure to check with your local herbal shop or search it on amazon before giving up on your search.
Severe diarrhea and vomiting will lead to dehydration, if untreated. Oatmeal water is a great home remedy that can prevent dehydration since it contains innumerable nutrients required for vitality.
Benefits of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are capable of eradicating bacterial infection, which will be necessary for your dog’s vitality. Many puppies will need to be hospitalized and isolated from other animals, so they can be treated appropriately. Of course, many pet owners will find that the treatment expenses are too extensive for them to afford, so they will look cheaper treatment alternatives on amazon.
The only prevention for the parvovirus is the 5-in-1 vaccine, which, as mentioned, is administered in a 3-part interval, with the last one being administered at one year of age. An older canine will receive at least one immunization, which will protect them from getting the parvovirus.