Parvovirus is a contagious viral disease, very dangerous for dogs, especially for puppies that come into the world without protection any, that is, without vaccinations or obtaining colostrum. Although it is a common pathology, it could be fatal if it is not detected and treated in less than 48 hours
Puppies are more prone to viruses and diseases since their immune system is still developing and cannot defend itself properly. The parvovirus attacks some key cells of the calf's digestive system, for this reason, it could cause diarrhea, vomiting and even depression in the animal.
We invite you to read this new article on our site, because if you have or plan to take a puppy home, it is important to have all the necessary information about this disease, as well as to know its care, to that in case your dog starts to show any symptoms you can anticipate and fight in time against parvovirus in puppies
Parvovirus symptoms and conditions in puppies
This is a virus that occurs more in puppies than in adult dogs. It does not allow the cells to grow, therefore, the organs to form correctly, slowing down the he althy development of the animal. The digestive system reacts to all these aggressions and therefore produces the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Apathy
- Severe diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Extreme Weakness
- Loss of motor control
- Limp
- Lack of stability
Parvovirus is spread by contact with blood, feces, or vomit of other dogs that are already infected. It also happens that they spread it from contaminated soils or environments. The best way to prevent this unpleasant disease is through dog vaccination.
Just as people when we are babies, dogs when they are puppies, still cannot express feelings of pain or all the discomfort that a disease can cause. It is of vital importance to pay attention to the state of the animal and learn to differentiate the behavior of a he althy offspring from a sick offspring, in order to detect the presence of parvovirus in time in your body.
What should I do if my puppy has parvovirus?
If your puppy has parvo, you have to be prepared because you will have to care for and monitor him practically 24 hours a day during at least one week. It is not a very pleasant disease, but with the necessary care, a lot of dedication and love, the puppy can survive and come out of a battle like this with flying colors.
As soon as you see that your dog has that unpleasant and explosive diarrhea with smells like rotten blood, you should start the treatment, which begins with a call or emergency visit to vet The doctor will treat the disease with antibiotics to stop the progress of the infection. He will also give some medicine to calm the painful intestinal spasms.
After this, if the disease is in an advanced state, the puppy will have to be hospitalized and an IV placed. If, on the other hand, Parvo is beginning, the dog can be treated at home.
Care from home
Prepare a space to carry out the treatment and disinfect it. It should be always clean and away from possible bacteria. You will probably vomit and defecate on several occasions, all the more reason cleanliness will be essential.
The puppy must feel comfortable and keep warm Don't leave him alone, your little friend will need your company more than ever. Solitary and cold spaces where the dog can fall into a state of stress tend to worsen the disease and delay improvement. Let him sleep and rest as much as he wants, talk to him calmly and softly and avoid startles.
One of the most important things when you have a puppy with parvovirus is to keep it hydrated, You can use Pedialyte, serum or some fluid with electrolytes, which you will need to give, carefully, with a syringe without a needle or a very small spoon. The proper amounts will depend on the size of the dog. Try to give him at least 2 spoons every 45 minutes if he is a medium puppy, if he is a very small one, reduce the measure a little.
You can give him a little ice to lick, this in addition to helping him with hydration, will relieve the feeling of nausea and stomach pain. It's normal to throw up at first, wait a bit and try again. Never forget during this whole process that your puppy, internally, feels very bad. Pay attention to the instructions that the doctor has previously given you, do not try to medicate your dog without first consulting the veterinarian.
When your puppy begins to improve, feeding will be the basis for his full recovery. Pay attention to his diet and feed him very small amounts of baby food. Continue with the hydration and invite him to drink more water little by little. You will be able to feed him 24 hours after his last vomit, thus allowing the intestine to heal completely.
Follow all these instructions as well as communicate with your vet and you will see how, in a short time, your puppy will be completely he althy and ready to play!
