The mere mention of parvovirus can send shivers down the spine of any new puppy owner. It’s a fear I understand intimately, having faced the heart-wrenching experience of watching my own puppy battle this deadly disease. The guilt of not vaccinating gnawed at me as I saw Aaron, my young dog, pale and fading. Those moments, etched in my memory, were amplified by the veterinarian’s stark words about the consequences of foregoing vaccination. It was a harsh reality check, leaving me questioning my choices and the responsibility I held for Aaron’s well-being. While the easier path might have been to embrace conventional vaccination for future dogs, Aaron’s fight with parvo revealed a different truth. Miraculously, he recovered. This journey, though fraught with difficulty, cemented my belief in the decisions I had made. This article is not a definitive guide to fighting parvo, nor is it a substitute for professional veterinary care. Instead, it offers the perspective of someone who chose an unconventional path, opting for home treatment for parvo and emerging victorious. My hope is that by sharing this experience, you too will feel empowered to consider alternative approaches to your puppy’s health.
RELATED: Everything you need to know about the parvovirus vaccine
Understanding Canine Parvovirus
Parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a highly contagious viral infection that targets rapidly dividing cells within a dog’s body, particularly those in the digestive tract and developing white blood cells. The most recognizable symptom is diarrhea with blood and a distinct, foul odor. Other early signs include fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. While the virus itself is rarely the direct cause of death, severe dehydration and secondary infections pose the most significant threats. To diagnose parvo, a veterinarian will typically perform a stool sample analysis using a SNAP test, and may also conduct blood work to assess immune cell counts and hydration levels. Parvo spreads through direct contact with infected feces or indirectly through contaminated items such as food bowls, leashes, clothing, and even veterinary clinics.
Home Treatment for Parvo
Choosing to treat Aaron at home was a difficult but ultimately rewarding decision. Unlike a veterinary clinic, where overnight care might mean a puppy is left in a cage without constant supervision, I was able to provide round-the-clock attention in the familiar comfort of our home. This approach significantly reduced Aaron’s stress levels. If faced with parvo again, I would undoubtedly choose home treatment.
The following insights are based on my personal experience and are not intended as medical advice.
Seek Guidance from a Holistic Veterinarian
While I managed Aaron’s care at home, I strongly recommend seeking the guidance of a holistic veterinarian or homeopath. It’s crucial to establish this relationship before an emergency arises. Parvo is a serious illness, and while survivable, home treatment requires professional support to ensure your puppy’s immune system isn’t compromised. If your current vet leans towards conventional treatments and you’re uncomfortable, explore homeopathic or other holistic vets who offer phone consultations. Remember, trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t. Be an active participant in your puppy’s healthcare.
A successful parvo treatment plan focuses on three key areas:
- Hydration: Addressing severe dehydration is paramount.
- Diarrhea Management: Controlling fluid loss through diarrhea is essential.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is critical.
1. Ensuring Adequate Hydration
Severe dehydration is a far greater threat than parvo itself. If your puppy cannot keep fluids down orally, alternative methods are necessary. A simple test for dehydration involves gently pinching the skin on the back of your puppy’s neck. It should snap back immediately. If it takes longer than two seconds, your puppy is dehydrated and requires rapid fluid administration.
Methods for Hydration:
- Intravenous (IV) Fluids: This is typically administered at a veterinary clinic, delivering fluids directly into the bloodstream via a catheter. You can take your puppy to the vet for IV treatments while continuing other home care.
- Subcutaneous (Sub-Q) Fluids: Your vet can teach you how to administer fluids under the skin, creating a pocket that the body gradually absorbs. However, this method can be slow, and if vomiting or diarrhea persists, dehydration may still occur. Always warm sub-Q fluids to body temperature to avoid shocking your puppy.
- Enema Fluids: Enemas can be a highly effective way to deliver fluids at home. The amount of fluid administered depends on the puppy’s weight. Always warm the fluids to body temperature and administer them slowly. If the puppy doesn’t require the enema, the fluid will naturally expel.
Electrolyte Replacement: Adding electrolytes to your puppy’s water can help replenish lost minerals. Pedialyte is a safe option, but consult your holistic vet for the correct dosage. A homemade oat water recipe can also serve as an electrolyte replacement:
Oat Water Recipe:
- 1/2 gallon filtered water
- 1 cup oats (not instant)
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 tsp sea salt
Boil the water, then add oats, salt, and molasses. Simmer for 5 minutes, then let sit for 20 minutes. Strain and use the water.
Oral Rehydration: Once your puppy can tolerate fluids orally without vomiting, begin offering small, frequent sips of Pedialyte or oat water. Gradually increase the amount as tolerated. Adding ginger tea to fluids can help alleviate nausea and vomiting, and boost immunity.
Ginger Tea Recipe:
- 1 quart water
- 4 tsp dried ginger or a few slices of fresh ginger
Boil water, add ginger, and simmer for 10-20 minutes. Strain and cool. Give alongside electrolyte fluid or oat water.
2. Managing Diarrhea
Diarrhea contributes significantly to fluid loss. While it’s tempting to use over-the-counter medications, herbal and homeopathic treatments are generally more effective and less suppressive. Commercial herbal products like Paxaid by Amber Naturalz can be very helpful, and the company often provides excellent customer support. Thoroughly research any product before purchasing.
3. Regulating Blood Sugar
Monitor your puppy’s gum color; pale or white gums indicate low blood sugar. Rubbing molasses on the gums hourly can help boost sugar levels. If this doesn’t improve energy or gum color, try beef liver puree administered orally or as an enema.
Beef Liver Puree Dosage (approximate):
- Under 3 lbs: 1/8 tsp
- 2-3 lbs: 1/4 tsp
- 4-10 lbs: 1/2 tsp
- 11-20 lbs: 1 tsp
- 21-30 lbs: 2 tsp
- 31-40 lbs: 1 Tbsp
- 41-50 lbs: 2 Tbsp
- Over 50 lbs: Add 1 Tbsp for every additional 10 lbs
Beef Liver Puree Recipe:
- 2 slices beef liver
- Oat water or electrolyte fluid (e.g., Pedialyte)
- 1/4 ripe banana
Boil liver until cooked, then blend with enough oat water or electrolyte fluid to create a syringeable consistency. Add banana and blend further if needed. Feed every 3 hours, being careful not to exceed recommended amounts to avoid worsening diarrhea.
Parvo Medications and Natural Alternatives
Over-the-counter medications can suppress a puppy’s immune system. While antivirals like Tamiflu are sometimes used, they are not approved for small animals and can contribute to viral mutations. There is limited research on Tamiflu’s effectiveness in dogs, and human studies have shown mixed results.
Natural Antivirals: Consider herbal options like Vibactra Plus by Amber Naturalz, which works well with Paxaid. Essential oils such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil also possess antiviral properties. Antiviral herbs include garlic, oregano, echinacea, mullein, and licorice. Always consult a qualified herbalist or holistic vet when using essential oils or herbs.
Homeopathy for Parvo-Infected Dogs
Homeopathic remedies can act rapidly in acute situations. While professional guidance is ideal, certain remedies are often effective for parvo symptoms. Administer remedies as liquid doses by dissolving pellets or granules in filtered water and applying to the puppy’s gums. Monitor your puppy closely after each dose and re-dose if symptoms worsen or if improvement plateaus.
Key Homeopathic Remedies:
- Aconitum napellus 30C: For sudden, intense symptoms with fever and stress. Administer immediately if parvo is suspected.
- Phosphorus 30C: Effective for vomiting, especially if blood is present.
- Arsenicum album 30C: A primary remedy for controlling acute diarrhea.
- Mercurius corrosivus 30C: Useful for bloody stools accompanied by straining and discomfort.
- Crotalus horridus 30C: Indicated for copious amounts of blood in stools.
- China officinalis 30C: Helps prevent dehydration and restore strength after fluid loss.
Parvo Nosodes and Fecal Transplants
Parvo nosodes are inexpensive and can be given preventatively or as a supplement to homeopathic treatment, often leading to high survival rates. Fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) are an emerging treatment for digestive issues and have shown promise in helping puppies with parvo manage diarrhea and speed recovery. Fecal microbiota transplants involve transferring healthy stool to restore the recipient’s gut microbiome.
Reintroducing Food and Supporting Recovery
Once your puppy can keep water down for 48 hours without vomiting, you can slowly reintroduce food. Begin with a bland diet, such as a homemade soup, to ease the digestive system. Avoid raw diets for at least two weeks after symptoms resolve.
Post-Parvo Soup Recipe:
- 3-4 chicken thighs
- 6 cups water
- Optional: celery, carrot, yam, cauliflower
Boil chicken thighs in water for 1.5-2 hours. Remove skin and bones, reserve meat. Strain broth and boil chopped vegetables in it for 20 minutes. Cool before serving. Start with small portions and increase gradually, allowing 4-6 hours between meals.
Home Support During Recovery:
Introduce new supplements one at a time, waiting 24 hours between each.
- Bio-12 Homeopathic Tissue Salts: Provides essential minerals for cell development and rehydration.
- N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG): Supports gastrointestinal health. Use powder form mixed with food or syringing.
- Slippery Elm: Reduces inflammation and lubricates the gut to ease diarrhea.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: Help balance gut bacteria and support the immune system.
- Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10): A powerful antioxidant supporting the immune and cardiovascular systems.
- Thiosinaminum 12C: Helps prevent scarring of the GI tract. Administer one week after starting CoQ10.
RELATED: Learn which are the best probiotics for dogs
Preventing Parvo Relapse
Relapses can occur. At the first sign, immediately resume administering Paxaid hourly until your puppy can eat and keep food down for at least six hours. Then, reduce the dosage to four times daily.
Post-Parvo Care and Environmental Cleaning
Even after recovery, your puppy can shed the virus for up to four weeks, and the virus can persist in the environment for months.
- Confinement: Keep your puppy confined to your house and yard during illness and for four weeks after diarrhea stops to prevent spreading the virus.
- Environmental Cleaning: Regularly clean and sanitize bedding, food bowls, outdoor areas, and floors that your puppy contacts.
Embracing Natural Healing
Treating parvo naturally is possible with unwavering commitment and round-the-clock care. Documenting treatments and progress is crucial. Facing parvo with home-based, natural remedies not only saved Aaron but also profoundly influenced my approach to animal care, revealing the body’s inherent power to heal when supported correctly. This experience transformed a difficult decision into a lifelong passion for natural health for all my dogs.
Reference
Pereira GQ, Gomes LA, Santos IS, Alfieri AF, Weese JS, Costa MC. Fecal microbiota transplantation in puppies with canine parvovirus infection. J Vet Intern Med. 2018 Mar;32(2):707-711.
