Keep in mind that parvo is also extremely contagious, and your vet will be able to isolate your dog more effectively than you can do at home. Ask your vet what symptoms would indicate that you need to bring in your vet for treatment.
IV fluids are more effective for hydrating your dog, but these need to be administered by a vet. In seriously ill animals, their circulation is often so poor that the fluids are poorly absorbed from beneath the skin—you’ll need to take the dog in for IV fluids for them to have the best chance of recovery. Your vet will typically provide you with a kit that contains a fluid bag, a tube and spike, and a subcutaneous needle. If you can’t get to your vet, ask the vet clinic to recommend a veterinary supply store near you where you can purchase these items.
Before you connect the tube, make sure the clamps on the tube are closed so the fluids won’t flow out when you insert the spike. Properly dispose of the needle you’re using away when you’re done. Don’t reuse a needle, as it can contaminate the fluids Talk to your vet about whether or not it’s appropriate to keep fluids for more than one use.
If there’s any air in the line, it will go under your dog’s skin, which could be painful.
Don’t touch the end of the tube before you attach the needle—this should also remain sterile.
If your dog is really anxious, it can help to wrap your dog in a towel to calm them. [9] X Research source
You can gently squeeze the bag to help the fluids move faster, but keep in mind that this may make some dogs feel anxious. [11] X Research source The fluids will make a bump under the skin, but they will be taken into the bloodstream soon as long as the dog is not in shock and has a good circulatory system. [12] X Research source
Over time, the bump where you administered the fluids should disappear as the fluids are absorbed. If it doesn’t, contact your vet. Talk to your vet about exactly how much fluid to use and how often to repeat it. However, a good rule of thumb is to give them 40ml of fluid for every 1 kg (2. 2 lb) that your animal weighs. Do that every 8 hours. [14] X Research source
Wait until your dog has stopped vomiting for 6-12 hours before you give them anything to drink. [16] X Research source Your dog might prefer one of these rehydration drinks to plain water, so they may be more likely to accept it. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Try bracing the dog against your body so that he can’t move around as much. Hold him with one arm while you give him the liquid with the other.
Squirt in a small amount of the liquid at a time, pausing to let your dog swallow each time. [22] X Research source
Talk to your vet about the way to administer these medications, as well as the size of the dose and how often to give it.
Don’t give your dog pain medications for humans—these can be toxic.
Parvo is mainly passed through feces and fluids passing from one dog to another. It can even be passed by your dog sniffing another dog. If you have other dogs in the house, make sure that your sick dog is using the bathroom in a different area from your other dogs, as your dogs can catch it from the sick dog’s feces as long as 2 months after the symptoms have passed.
Don’t let your dog eat a lot at one time, even if they seem hungry—this can cause vomiting and diarrhea to return. Instead, give them smaller meals while they recover.
For other areas, such as carpet and couches, wipe as clean as possible, and then get them steam cleaned. You might also consider quaternary ammonia for cleaning soft surfaces. For outdoor areas, the best you can do is pick up any of your dog’s feces and water the yard a bit more often. The dilution can help lower the amount of virus in your yard over time, and the sun will also kill some of it. Try to keep other dogs out of the area for at least a few weeks.
