Dealing with Parvovirus

Treatment of your dog:  Home care vs. Hospitalization

Hospitalizing your dog and administering IV fluids to correct any electrolyte imbalances would be ideal.  In cases of financial difficulties, this may not be possible due to high costs of treatment.

Home care can be attempted with hourly administration of small amounts of oral electrolyte containing fluids (i.e. Pedialyte or Gatorade) and supportive medication.  This treatment plan may not be successful if the patient continues to vomit.

Preventing further dehydration:
           
Because the intestinal lining is under attack from the virus, vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia are the most common signs of Parvovirus.  Diarrhea with vomiting causes severe dehydration.
           
We recommend not feeding your dog until he/she refrains from vomiting for 6 – 8 hours.  Food prior to this will cause further intestinal upset- i.e. vomiting or diarrhea.  
           
To control vomiting an anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medication is often needed.
       
Antibiotics are given not to destroy the virus but to treat any bacteria that may invade the bloodstream and/or liver due to damaged intestines from the virus.

Treatment of Home

Unlike most viruses Parvovirus is very stabile (can live for months) in the environment and cannot be destroyed by most detergents, alcohols or disinfectants.  The best way to destroy the virus is with diluted bleach (1/2 cup of bleach into a gallon of water) or parvocidal disinfectants.  You and your belongings can be carriers for the virus.  Wear latex of similar type of gloves when handling all parvovirus-infected pets or materials.

Prevention
       
Vaccination
Puppies should ideally receive Parvovirus vaccinations at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 14-16 weeks and, in some conditions, 18 weeks of age and then vaccinated annually. One time administration of the vaccine will not prevent infection. 

Environment
Do not bring any new dogs into environment for at least 6 months after the outbreak.  Parvovirus has been found in homes months after initial contamination.