What Do I Do If My Dog Gets Parvo?

Parvo is a frightening disease, and can attack a dog and weaken or kill it within a few days to a week. It's a virus that attacks the parts of a dog where cell division is happening more rapidly. Because of this, it hits the digestive tract, and in growing puppies. Because the virus attacks and kills the cells that it infects, and because those are often in the digestive tract, it often causes bloody diarrhea.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of Parvo begin with your dog acting depressed and lethargic, with a high fever. Soon it'll show a loss of appetite. You'll probably wonder what's going on with your dog, why it's not as peppy as usual, but you might not think much of it. It's important to notice this stage and to check the dog's temperature, so you can catch it early.

Soon after, the dog will probably begin vomiting and have diarrhea, and the stool could be yellow or even bloody. Since the virus is attacking the cells in the lining of the digestive tract, your poor dog can't absorb liquids, and so it will get dehydrated. From there it could go into shock and die.

Transmission of the Virus:

The virus isn't airborne, but it can still get to your pet very easily, because it can live outside of a host for months at a time. It's transmitted primarily through feces, so if you were to accidentally step into some runny dog stool on the street, even if you rinse off your shoes, the virus could still be brought into your home, and transmitted to your dog.

The virus can be killed with a wash of bleach and water, but most other household cleaners will let it live on. If your dog gets Parvo, it's very important to clean your house and your dog's bedding and toys with a bleach solution.

Treatment Options:

If you get help soon enough, there is a good chance (some say as much as 80%) that your dog will survive. Since it's a virus, it can't be "cured", but there are many things you can do to help your pet survive the symptoms. Natural and Herbal supplements, such as Ambertech's Parvaid, can greatly increase your pet's chances for survival. Most traditional treatments include antibiotics and hydration.

If you're watchful, careful and respond quickly, your pet can survive the deadly virus and even thrive afterward!