Q&A for How to Nurse a Dog Through Parvo

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Can a puppy get parvo more than once? Do adult dogs need to be revaccinated if a puppy in the home has parvo?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A dog that recovers from parvovirus should remain protected for life, unless a new strain of parvovirus mutates. The parvovirus vaccine protects for a maximum of three years. A dog that was vaccinated over three years ago must have a new course of vaccines. Likewise, at times of high challenge, such as being in the house with a parvo pup, there is an argument for getting a top up dose of vaccine if the adult dog last had a booster more than a year (but less than three years) ago.

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Question

Can I cure parvovirus at home?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

There is no "cure" as such for parvovirus. It is up to the dog's immune system to fight off the virus and get rid of it from the body. The mainstay of treatment is supportive care, such as giving fluids to replace those lost through sickness or diarrhea, so the dog doesn't become dehydrated and go into organ failure. This is why hospital treatment is preferred where possible, since vets can give intravenous fluids which is much more effective at supporting the circulation than those given under the skin.

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Question

My puppy just recently started vomiting, then stopped for a day, and is now doing it again, and she's very lethargic. Could this be parvo? It just came out of nowhere.

Sadxizzy

Community Answer

It could be parvo, but it could also very well be something else (less serious) that your dog picked up. I suggest taking her to the vet to start treatment for parvo if she has it.

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Question

My dog was diagnosed with Parvo, but she was 14 years old. Was the diagnosis correct?

Community Answer

If your dog was not vaccinated against Parvo, then it could be correct; dogs can catch it at any age.

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Question

Can a dog over a year old catch parvo?

Community Answer

No, but if your dog is having symptoms, you should get that checked out with the vet.

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Question

What happens if you don't use a new needle each time you give subcutaneous fluids?

Community Answer

It dulls, so subsequently it is more painful when you inject and you are at more risk of infecting the dof because it isn't clean enough.

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Question

How often should I be administering subcutaneous fluids?

Community Answer

Ask your vet. The answer to this question will vary greatly by your individual dog's circumstances. Do not attempt to do something like this without getting precise instructions from a vet.

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Question

What is the name of the medicine that you apply underneath the skin?

Community Answer

There are many medications and vaccinations that are given subcutaneously. What are you trying to treat or prevent?

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Question

Can a nearly two month old puppy be given a milk replacement while being treated for Parvo?

Shannon Reeves

Community Answer

If they were weaned before contracting parvo and eating dog food then it is not advisable to give milk replacement. When a pup is weaned, their body stops producing enzymes to break down milk/milk replacement so this could cause additional GI distress. If the pup was not yet weaned when it became sick (this is unlikely because a vaccinated female dog will pass immunity to pups through her milk) then a milk replacement is a decent option and will help increase fluid intake.

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Question

Can a puppy be in the sun if it's weak and needs to be hydrated?

Community Answer

It would be better keeping him/her inside to lessen the risks of germs from outside and dehydration, but the puppy can lie in the sun while inside for vitamin D.

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