I have a 7 month old puppy, he is half olde English Bull Dog mixed with other breeds. He's about 50 pounds. He got diagnosed with parvo 3 days ago.
We took him to an animal hospital on the first day he started having symptoms, but we couldn't afford what this vet was offering. We found another vet and they are 100 times better. Their prices are very reasonable.
Anyways, one the first day he started throwing up. He threw up about 3-4 times. The second day, he didn't throw up at all, but he did have diarrhea with no blood in it. Later on that day he had an appointment with a different animal hospital, they told us that we came in at the right time when he's still healthy and strong. They told us they have never seen a dog with parvo that is still strong and they gave us fluids and medication. Before we left, the doctor gave him his first bag of fluids. As soon as we got home we gave him the medication, but 5 to 10 minutes later he threw up. On the 3rd day, today, he we gave him his medication for the second time and he did great, he didn't throw up. He fell asleep and woke up to use the bathroom, he had diarrhea again with no blood in it. When we got into the house, we gave him water and he finally started to drink on his own. But his energy is the same, sleepy and weak. How long will this medication take to help my puppy? How likely is it that he will make it? Should I force feed him or wait till his stomach can hold down his food? I'm very scared.
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It can take several weeks to recover. The fact that he is not throwing up and has no bloody diarrhea is good. He will be tired.
I have done rescue for many years and have had several liters of puppies contract parvo at a shelter, by show no symptoms until I got them home. I always put new puppies/dogs into designated quarantine areas until they had 2 rounds of shots. I use Pedialyte, liquid vitamin b12 and light Karo syrup mixture during the first and severe stages of parvo. My vet told me to just put a few drops at the back of the pups mouth every 30 minutes. That way, they get fluids without the fluids reaching stomach and causing vomiting. I also give saline solution subque (beneath skin, but not in muscle). Once a pup starts drinking on its on, pumpkin filling (Like used to make a pie) is a great starting solid food. It naturally settles their stomachs and has lots of protein.
I want to add that it is crucial that your puppy/dog is under 24 hour observation and care until it starts eating and drinking on its on. Giving the few drops of fluid every 30 minutes and monitoring your puppys vomiting/diarrhea incidents are crucial. If you arent able to do this alone, ask a trusted friend or family member to help. If at all possible, let your veterinarian keep your puppy at the clinic where it can receive iv fluids 24/7. It takes a lot out of the puppy and owner to survive this horrible virus.
I just got my 2 month old Bull terrier puppy back from the vet after Parvovirus. He was really sick and had to stay in an animal hospital all of last weekend and then 3 more days at another veterinary office. He is now home and taking his meds. So, he is on the road to recovery. He is under quarantine though for the next 3 weeks.
Hi.. i had a puppy who got parvo.. 1st sign of bloddy diarrhea i immediately took her to the vet.. got iv and injectable meds.. 6 days passed and she recovered.. slowly drinking by her own, eating little by little.. and now shes on oral supportive medication.. also deworming.. but i notice she has trouble walking.. she can stand.. but not walk.. she cries and ask for help everytime she needs to go somewhere..
808christiana,
You asked if you should force feed your dog.
I had a dog for 18 years, and over the years we had many visits to the vets for various reasons. One thing I learned was, they're really just like us, and when we don't feel well, we'd not want to be force fed, (unless) the doctor ordered it. My one dog had renal failure, and she'd lost her appetite. I did have to use a syringe with her blended and liquefied food daily to do that, but only as per her vet.
What I would recommend, is try some (un-salted) peanut butter (a good organic one) as peanut butters are not the same, some have nothing but garbage in them, and some are quite healthy for people and animals, and animals LOVE the stuff. Nut's or no nuts, that part doesn't matter. From my experience, they do like the chunky with nuts the best though it seems.
Put a tiny bit on your finger tip, as your dog trusts you, he knows you. See if he'll lick just a bit. Usually one lick leads to the next.
He can't make a meal of that though, and hopefully it will stimulate his appetite - and peanut butter is loaded with good stuff for health too, but, never give him too much, not more than a teaspoon or tablespoon worth, and only until his appetite gets kicked back into gear - usually a couple of days "or a few" that is.
One thing you must watch out for on the peanut butter label, as many companies are putting in an ingredient that is DEADLY to
some animals, and dogs in particular.
The ingredient is: XYLITOL ((( BAD DEADLY STUFF))) for dogs.
It's a sugar, but not all sugars are created equally. This particular
sugar/xylitol can NOT be given to dogs ever. And don't worry, it's not in all peanut butters either. Most do not have that ingredient.
Just triple check whatever brand you buy.
The peanut butter will also (we hope) will get him to want to drink,
as he must have water-because dogs become very or even severely dehydrated in just a day or two. Sometimes what dogs will do when they don't want to drink from their bowl is they will lick on an ice cube if you hold it between your fingers.
He'll probably be thirsty after a little bit of the peanut butter too.
Then hold the ice cube for him.
He can get better with extra care, food and water, and tons of gentle love from you.
I sure do hope everything you do is successful and that he begins showing good signs of getting past this issue.
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