Ever heard that Parvo can’t be treated? This is a common myth and although Canine Parvovirus is a virus, it can be treated by addressing secondary bacterial infections and symptoms with intensive care. When treated quickly and aggressively, around 90% of parvovirus patients go home happy and fully recovered.

Canine Parvovirus affects puppies and young adult dogs, most of whom are unvaccinated. It causes decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, bacterial infections, and death. Parvo is a very hearty virus and can live in the environment for many months. The virus is spread through direct contact, on food and water bowls, carried on our shoes and hands, and transported by other animals.

Please remember, the best TREATMENT for canine parvovirus is PREVENTION. Thorough vaccination by a veterinarian should begin when the puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old and vaccine boosters should continue past 16 weeks of age. Vaccination is highly effective and much cheaper than treatment.

At Advanced Veterinary Care, we aggressively treat our parvo puppies with IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, gastrointestinal support, and antibiotics for secondary infections.  The average hospitalization length is about 2 nights. We give updates by phone or email twice daily to make sure that owners know exactly where their pup is on the road to recovery.

This weekend we had FIVE parvo puppies come in and FIVE have made it through with intensive care and have already gone home or will go home early this week.

If you have a puppy that has fallen ill to parvovirus symptoms, please contact Advanced Veterinary Care and let us save your beloved friend! Parvo does not have to be a death sentence.

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