Parvo virus is a dangerous affliction that affects hundreds of dogs. The virus is deadly and must be treated immediately.
The parvo virus takes many puppy lives and it all happens so quickly that sometimes it's a futile attempt to save it. The virus generally attacks pups that are between the ages of 2 to 6 months. Older dogs can also get the virus but they aren't as subject to the infection as young pups. The puppy might seem perfectly healthy when you get it but within a couple of days it's health can change dramatically. It only takes 5 to 6 days from the exposure to the virus before the symptoms begin. One sign of the parvo virus is severe and seemingly never ending diarrhea. Although puppies sometimes do get diarrhea this affliction does not stop. As the virus attacks the lower intestine the mucous membranes are ripped from the interior walls of the lower intestine causing the diarrhea. Because the diarrhea is so severe the puppy generally does nothing more than lie around the house. The first day or so the puppy might seem to have some energy but by the second day of symptoms from parvo the pup will have little enthusiasm.
The pup will lose his appetite and it will be nearly impossible to even get him to take a few laps of water. Even without ingesting food and water the poor little thing will still have severe diarrhea. In addition the pup will begin to vomit often. Usually it is small amounts of what appears to be stomach acid and fluids. Because of the diarrhea and vomiting the pup quickly becomes dehydrated but will still refuse water. Do not try to give the pup milk. It will only make the diarrhea worse.
Left untreated the puppy will most certainly die. Even if the visit to the vet is postponed for a couple of days that's long enough for the virus to take a good hold over the pup's digestive system. Treatment is often futile for an already sickly puppy. Some dogs show symptoms of the disease, get immediate treatment, and recover perfectly.
The vet can administer a shot that will kill the parvo virus but the owner of the animal can also purchase and inject the shot. You can normally find the vials of medicine at a store that supplies products for farms and gardens. The shot is not expensive and can be given directly to the animal, in the form of a shot to the skin on the back of the pup's neck. No side effects from the shot are evident and the pup will likely get better within a couple of days. The diarrhea and vomiting should cease within 24 hours. If the pup has had the shot but the symptoms have not quit contact a veterinarian.
