The canine parvovirus or parvovirus It is a very common disease in dogs, especially during the first months of life. The parvo virus It is usually fatal if it is not identified and treated in time, and even more so when it happens in puppies. If you notice that your dog vomits frequently, does not eat, has lost a lot of weight or has bloody stools, take him to the vet immediately for the pertinent tests.
If you want more information about this disease, in this OneHowTo article we explain how to cure canine parvovirus so you know what to do in case your dog gets it.
Steps to follow:
If you think your dog has parvovirus, the first thing you should do is take your dog to the vet to diagnose the type of disease you have. Once diagnosed, the first reaction is usually combat dehydration; To do this, the dog is administered a dose of serum that your veterinarian must stipulate depending on his condition.
Typically, the vet performs a replacement fluid therapy, that is, administration of serum to rehydrate the dog. The fluids that compose it are isotonic crystalloids (the most suitable to combat parvo is Ringer-Lactate, according to veterinarians), which can be combined with colloids, such as hydroxyaltarch or dextran. This treatment is usually given intravenously.
In severe cases where the parvo virus It leads to heart or kidney problems. These crystalloids must be administered with extreme care, as they are not tolerated with the same success as a dog with normal heart and kidney functions.
The rate and amount of administration of the serum will be stipulated by the veterinarian based on the size and weight of the dog and the development of the disease. In addition to fluid therapy, canine parvovirus is fought through blood transfusions.
Due to the bloody diarrhea produced by the parvo virus, the dog loses a lot of blood and needs to recover, in addition to renewing it to get rid of the virus little by little. In both puppies and adult dogs, the donor must be an adult, healthy dog and must have all the mandatory vaccinations in place.
With the serum to rehydrate and blood transfusions, the dog suffering from parvovirus begins to recover and supply each of the deficits produced by the virus. Once rehydrated, the vet will continue with a maintenance fluid therapy, which is usually composed of an isotonic glucosaline solution supplemented with potassium chloride.
However, fluids may vary depending on the condition of the patient. It will always be the veterinarian who determines which are the most appropriate, the amounts and rate of administration. In many cases, parvovirus can cause a state of hypokalemia, or other imbalances, and the dog should receive potassium to recover properly.
If you do not want to have your dog admitted, there is the possibility of give you treatment at home through serum backpacks (rehydration first and then maintenance). Normally, the veterinarian usually complements the fluid therapy with antibiotics and antiemetics, which he must prescribe himself and detail all the information related to the intake (amount and time).
If you treat your dog at home, you should go on the days that the veterinarian indicates to his consultation to monitor the progress and development of the patient. Of course, the first dose of replacement fluid therapy and blood transfusions will be performed at the veterinary hospital.
If you treat it at home you must have all the objects (blankets, bed, etc.) and place where you have your dog completely clean and disinfected. Remember that the parvo virus you can live in extreme situations for months.
It is important to note that, although this is the most effective treatment, it does not have to have the same effect in all patients, since the state of the disease and the dog itself have a lot to do with it. On puppies It is usually more critical and, many times, they require complementary medications to help them improve their defenses, as the virus leaves them very weakened.
And sometimes your vet may also give you a homemade serum so you can give it yourself at home (do not do a serum on your own without first consulting a professional). It is essential that you go to your vet to initiate treatment and combat canine parvovirus.
More and more cases are turning to Tamiflu to fight parvovirus for its optimal results. It is a specific medicine to treat the flu virus. The dose should be 2ml per kilo, this means that if your dog weighs 10kg you should give him 20ml. One dose should be given a day, for 10 days, always at the same time.
The Tamiflu it is complementary to veterinary treatment, by itself it will not do anything. Consult with a specialist before giving it to your dog. Also, although it has been successful in many cases, it does not mean that it can eliminate parvo in all dogs, since each dog has specific reactions.
To know if your dog has parvovirus it is important that you know the symptom of this disease, something that can help you detect the health of your dog. Parvovirus directly affects the gastrointestinal system of the animal causing symptoms such as the following:
- Little encouragement
- Short, gasping breathing
- Lack of appetite in the dog
- Foamy nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea with blood and a very strong odor
- Dog dehydration
If you notice that your dog has any of these symptoms, take him immediately to the vet, especially if it is a puppy as it can cause sudden death.
You should know that you can avoiding parvovirus in a dog following a series of recommendations as far as health adds hygiene. At OneHowTo we give you a list of tips that you can follow to protect your dog from this disease:
- Follow the vaccination plan proposed by your veterinarian to the letter.
- Deworm your dog frequently.
- Maintain hygiene both in your dog and in the environment in which he lives.
- Wash the dog’s food and drink bowl frequently.
- Prevent a puppy from being in contact with his own feces.
If your dog has been infected with parvovirus and has already recovered, you should know that it is possible that this mite has remained in your home, therefore, it is essential that you disinfect your house from parvovirus and thus ensure an optimal space for the life of your dog.
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