Canine parvovirus is one of the most feared diseases your dog can get, and with good cause: it can kill a dog within a couple of days after a dog shows symptoms. Here are some common misconceptions that could create a false sense of security and leave a beloved pooch exposed.
My dog is vaccinated. He's safe from parvo, right?
Not necessarily. The immunities a puppy receives from its mother can interfere with the parvo vaccination, so while it is important to keep up with boosters if you choose to use this route, and while vaccinations certainly do reduce the chances of your dog catching the virus, it is not failsafe, and prevention can go a long way in protecting your dog.
My dog is an adult. He can't get parvo anymore, right?
While parvo is less common in adult dogs, they can still get and die from parvo. Usually this occurs in dogs with weakened immune systems, but no dog is completely safe. It's not uncommon for adult dogs to contract parvo. It's best to prevent, and be prepared.
There is nothing that can fight parvo because it's a virus. We can only hydrate and hope for the best.
Another myth. While it's true that there are no traditional, man-made antibiotics to treat a virus, the environment is loaded to the gills with herbs that offer highly effective healing from viral, parasitic, and bacterial infections, including canine parvovirus.
Treating a dog with parvo is expensive and requires hospitalization, doesn't it? I can't afford it, so I'll need to put my dog to sleep.
Herbal supplements that effectively cause dogs to heal from parvo can be purchased for around $40.00, more for care packs with additional products to help your pet fight dangerous secondary infections, treat the new, more aggressive strain of parvo, or provide healing for parvo's copycat diseases, such as coccidia. Hydration is important too, since most dogs with parvo die of dehydration before organ failure from the virus itself occurs. Gentle use of an oral syringe is effective, or you can ask your vet to provide you with bags of fluid that you can inject under the dog's skin at home.
Since we bleached the area where my dog did his business, so we should be safe from reinfection.
Unfortunately, the virus is very contagious and very small amounts do serious damage. It is very important to disinfect your entire floor, your yard (it will kill the grass, but better that than your furry baby), the inside of your car, plus anywhere your feet or your dog's feet may have traveled (don't forget the countertop if your furry baby is large and tends to put his front paws up there while searching for goodies). Also, as you've been cleaning up after your dog, the virus has spread to your clothing, items you've touched...it's everywhere. So you'll need to disinfect as best you can, using half a cup of bleach to a gallon of water. This will lighten your carpet and clothes.
Also, in order to respond quickly if parvo strikes, you'll need to remain watchful for symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes bloody stool (although a new strain does not necessarily show blood in the stool but rather a gelatinous texture), listlessness, depression, loss of interest in food and then water, and a thin appearance. If you see any of these symptoms, particularly vomiting and diarrhea together, please get your dog to a vet immediately for diagnosis. Put the dog on an effective herbal health aid, and as with any disease, the sooner you address the issue, the greater your chances of succeeding. The new F strain has reportedly been known to kill the same day a dog shows symptoms. This is not an illness where you'd want to to wait and see.
Another thing you can do to help your dog is to keep a first aid kit just for him. It should include an antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic health aid, a pain reliever designed just for dogs (many human medications are toxic to them), and other products designed to boost your furry friend's immune system and detoxify him after wormers or vaccinations. Self-closing bandages or bandages with dog-safe closures are good to keep on hand as well, and don't forget to keep this kit with you when you travel or spend time outdoors.
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