FOOD PLAN FOR DOGS RECOVERING FROM PARVOVIRUS

The Parvovirus is an intestinal virus that attacks the lining of the intestinal tract, all the way from the mouth to the rectum. The most common symptoms of pravo in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Parvo is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces. It’s very important to look out for these symptoms especially in puppies and weaker adult and senior dogs that are possibly unvaccinated or have compromised immune systems. If left untreated parvo can even result in death.Most vets are convinced that the prevention of Parvo is by vaccination, but it is just as important to not over-vaccinate considering that it is one of the leading causes of death in dogs. Over-vaccination is also the indirect cause of many diseases since they tend to infect the body with viruses and trace amounts of heavy metals and other chemicals that do much more harm than good and are often not needed.

The existence of maternal antibodies or “passive immunity” proves this fact. When a puppy nurses for the first time, the milk is full nutritious protection from disease, including parvovirus, and is passed from mother to puppy. However, this built in natural protection, antibodies, dissipates shortly after nursing stops mainly due to the dramatic change in diet. Puppies that go from easy to digest bio-available food to synthetic vitamins and high starch foods will take a dramatic fall in their overall immunity. Also, every time you vaccinate against parvovirus, part of the mother’s natural protection is destroyed.   So vaccinating is really a double-edged sword; it creates long-lasting antibodies but it also creates a weakness in the body’s immune system.

The main thing you must be aware of is the proper functionality of your dog’s immune system, especially since you pup is not able to respond to vaccines until they’re at least 6 weeks old. The absolute best way to prevent Parvo is ensuring that the immune system doesn’t break down after nursing stops. You can easily do this by providing raw or cooked whole foods and supplements to your dog. Despite popular believe, dogs thrive on real foods found in nature instead of dry or wet foods laden with preservatives, chemicals, and inflammation inducing ingredients.

Stages of Parvo-

Here is a quick summary of the stages of parvo and then we’ll go through each stage in more detail:

• Stage 1: Exposure to Parvo
• Stage 2: Incubation Period 3-5 Days from 1^stContact
• Stage 3: Symptoms of Parvo Appear 5-8 Days from 1^stContact
• Stage 4: Diagnosis of Parvo – Upon Medical Evaluation (This is Critical at First Sign of Symptoms)
• Stage 5: Treatment of Parvo – Prescribed Home Care or Hospitalization
• Stage 6: Recovery Time for Parvo – Approximately 14-20 days
• Stage 7: Full Recovery & Re-Test Negative – Approximately 30-40 days after 1^stcontact

Whether or not your dog stands a chance at recovering from parvo has everything to do with whether or not she has the antibodies to fight the virus to begin with.  Most dogs who are protected with immunity can come in contact with parvo and suffer no effects.

However, if your dog does not have the immunity and exposure was high enough, your dog will very likely need medical attention in order to survive exposure to parvo’s viral particles.  And the good news: 90% of dogs that receive early treatment for parvo will recover.

In this article we will go over the 7 stages of parvo including what is happening during the stage and the timeline. These are average timelines and can vary based on exposure level and a dog’s overall well-being.

Parvo Stage 1: Exposure

A dog cannot contract parvo without being exposed to the virus, so it makes sense that the first stage of parvo is exposure to the virus – and that’s exposure without proper immunity. Many dogs come into contact with the canine parvovirus but a vaccinated dog with proper immunity will not become ill.

How are dogs exposed to parvo?

Parvo is a resilient virus.  So resilient that even prolonged, High or low  temperatures do not kill the parvovirus.  In fact, parvo will simply go dormant in winter months and regain its effectiveness as temperatures warm up.  Dog’s can be exposed to the virus by sniffing or licking something on the ground.

That is why springtime is high season for parvo outbreaks because as snow melts, the parvovirus which may have gone dormant under  the low temperature  slowly reveals itself and becomes accessible to our unsuspecting dogs.

Dogs can also contract the virus by sniffing another dog’s anus or coming into contact with infected saliva or vomit from an infected dog.

Finally, dogs can have the virus brought to their home. For instance, the owner steps in dog feces that’s infected with the virus. Later that day, the owner takes off his shoes in the mudroom and his unprotected dog sniffs and licks the bottoms.

What Happens When a Dog is exposed to Parvo?

Once your dog is exposed to Parvo, his level of immunity will dictate whether or not he is unharmed by the exposure or will proceed to Stage 2.

Dogs with effective immunity against parvo – If your dog has built adequate immunity to the parvovirus, she will likely have no symptoms, and not progress through the stages of parvo. Immunity is built through proper vaccination and maintaining booster vaccines as recommended.

Your dog could also have built immunity to parvovirus if he contracted parvo in the past and fully recovered.   It is important to note that if your dog has recovered from parvo, you should still talk to your veterinarian about booster protection since parvovirus can mutate to form new strains.

Dogs without immunity against parvovirus –Immunity against parvovirus is not likely if your dog is not receiving proper vaccinations and boosters or if your dog doesn’t respond well to the vaccinations given.

If your dog has no immunity to parvovirus, after exposure they will progress to the next stage of parvo.

Parvo Stage 2: Incubation

Incubation period is the time between your dog’s first contact of the parvovirus particles and when symptom are first apparent.  Most dogs that contract parvovirus will have an incubation period of 3-5 days.

If you learn in advance of symptoms that your dog has come into contact with parvo, you should call your veterinarian preemptively. For example: you learn of a parvo outbreak at your puppy’s training center and your puppy was there a day ago. While it may be too early to test for parvo, vitals can be monitored and emergency procedures can be put in place.

Parvovirus Stage 3: Symptoms Appear

Symptoms of Parvo in dogs

As a dog owner or breeder, you have to be very observant to notice any slight change in your dog’s health or behavior. Sometimes, you may notice the dog may seem moody, weak, or uncomfortable. For instance, when you have a very agile and playful dog and you notice it keeping to itself and acting under the weather, you should know something is definitely wrong.

It takes up to 3-7 days for a dog to show signs and symptoms of having parvo after they have caught it. Listed below are major signs of parvo in dogs:

• Lethargy: This is actually the first sign you will notice when a dog gets infected. It is a state of weariness, tiredness, lack of energy, or fatigue. Most times it can be accompanied by depression.
• Anorexia: This is a loss of appetite. It is likely the secondary sign. The dog hardly eats as before and refuses food.
• Weight loss: The dog may begin to rapidly lose weight.
• Vomiting: The dog’s puke may be clear or brown or yellow in color. The vomiting will be frequent and at times you may notice the dog drooling or foaming at the mouth.
• Bloody Diarrhea: The dog will be stooling frequently. The stool will be watery and will often contain blood with a foul smell.
• Fever: As the infection progresses, the dog will develop a severe fever.
• Pain or discomfort
• Dehydration: This eventually happens as a result of diarrhea and vomiting. The dog tends to lose more fluids than they take in. Hence there is no enough water or fluid in their body to carry out their normal functions which makes them dehydrated.
• Low body temperature
• Red inflamed tissue around the eyes and mouth
• Rapid heartbeat

Parvo Stage 4: Diagnosis from Veterinarian

Time is of the essence when it comes to medical evaluation of parvovirus symptoms.  In most cases, your dog will not be able to recover on her own if infected with the canine parvovirus. If left untreated, canine parvo has a mortality rate of 90%.  That is why it is critical to seek medical attention at the first signs of parvovirus.

On the flip side of that statistic is the good news, which is this: 90% of dogs who DO get medical treatment at the first sign of symptoms will survive and recover.

Once your dog is diagnosed with parvovirus, (or even before results) treatment will begin.

Parvovirus Stage 5: Treatment

Treatment – while there is no cure for parvovirus, most dogs (about 90%) who receive early treatment from trained professionals do fully recover.  Veterinarians usually give infected dogs treatments that may include:

Most Common

• Fluid therapy
• Anti-vomiting medicine
• Antibiotics
• Antacids
• Vitamins (injected)

Possible (Severe)

• Blood transfusions

Only your veterinarian can guide you toward the next steps which would either be hospitalization or home care. Dog owners who are comfortable with needles, medications and homecare might be able to take their dog home and provide subcutaneous fluid therapy (under the skin) as prescribed.

Homecare is not likely to be offered if your dog is seriously suffering and not stable.

Parvo Stage 6: Recovery Period

While recovering from parvo, your dog should not be around other dogs for two reasons.  One: your dog is shedding the virus through her feces and you don’t want to infect other dogs.  Two: your dog has a weakened immune system and secondary infections are very common with dogs that are recovering from parvo.

Keep your dog isolated to one room and begin cleaning your own home and clothing.  It’s important to know that Lysol and other disinfectants like spic & span do not kill Parvo.  Equip your home with Parvo killing cleaners so that you can spray contaminated items immediately.

Recovery Diet

While your dog is recovering, a very bland, home cooked diet is also usually prescribed for at least a week and then his normal food is slowly introduced.  Many companies in India has come up with the Recovery Diet like_

1.Royal Canin Recovery Can

2.OriHeal Wuff Wuff Recovery Energy Diet for Weak & Sick Dogs

3.Hill’s Recovery

4.Farmina Vet Life Gastro Intestinal Cannine Formula (Dog)

5.ORIONE Recovery Energy Diet for Weak & Sick Dogs

6.Calibra Dog & Cat Recovery Wet Food

In order to complete all of the stages of parvo, your dog has to be 100% fully recovered.

NB-Previous anecdotal recommendations for nutritional management of CPV enteritis included withholding food and water until cessation of vomiting. However, evidence suggests early enteral nutrition is associated with earlier clinical improvement, weight gain, and improved gut barrier function. For anorectic dogs, placement of a nasoesophageal or nasogastric tube for continual feeding of a prepared liquid diet (eg, Clinicare®, or dilute, blended canned diet) should be instituted within 12 hr of hospital admission. Once vomiting has subsided for 12–24 hr, gradual reintroduction of water and a bland, low-fat, easily digestible commercial or homemade (eg, boiled chicken or low-fat cottage cheese and rice) diet is recommended. Partial or total parenteral nutrition is reserved for dogs with anorexia >3 days that cannot tolerate enteral feeding.

Parvo Stage 7: Full Recovery

The best way to know if your dog is fully recovered and no longer shedding the virus is through a re-test.  Your vet will likely want a stool sample after 15-30 days depending on the severity of your dog’s parvo case.

Once you get the all clear from your veterinarian, your dog’s life (and yours) can go back to normal. After defeating parvo, your dog should have a special immunity against future exposure.  But remember, just like our flu virus, canine parvovirus can mutate and produce different strains so follow your veterinarian’s advice about future titer testing (testing parvo antibody levels) or giving your dog future boosters.

Those are the 7 stages of parvo and I hope you get through all of them and reach full recovery.

Parvo takes its toll on your dog and requires diligent care and effort to help your dog recover and to rid the virus from your home.  But thousands of dogs and dog owners have stories to share about surviving parvo.

Remember to get treatment at the very first sign of parvo, keep your dog isolated and protected from germs during recovery, clean diligently with products that kill the virus and you’re likely to experience a full recovery too.

Medications

• Your puppy may be finishing up a course of antibiotics and may also be on some medication for nausea or diarrhea. It is important that you give your puppy the medication prescribed for the full amount of time it has prescribed.

 

Diet

Your puppy is recovering from some extensive damage to his/her intestinal tract. It is typical for stool to be a little loose at first or for no stool to be produced for a few days as the tract recovers. The stool should gradually firm up over the first 3-5 days at home and your puppy should be active and of normal attitude. If the diarrhea persists, if vomiting occurs or if your puppy seems depressed, please contact your vet at once for instructions.

• Your puppy may be ravenously hungry after going so long with limited food. Do not allow the puppy to gorge as this can result in vomiting or diarrhea. Feed smaller meals separated by at least an hour or two.
• Do not feed table scraps. Stick to the diet recommended by your veterinarian. A prescription diet may have been sent home or a home cooked diet may have been recommended (such as boiled chicken and white rice, or fat free cottage cheese and pasta). It is important for your puppy’s food to be easily digestible so stick to the protocol your veterinarian has recommended.

 

Exercise

• Your puppy should be considered contagious to other puppies for a good month so it is important to “play it safe” by restricting trips to the park, obedience school or other neighborhood areas. The virus is no longer shedding directly in the puppy’s stool; the pup is contagious because of the high amounts of virus still in the puppy’s fur from the time of active infection. A bath goes far in reducing potential for contagion.
• If your puppy is less than 16 weeks of age, he/she should not be allowed in public areas until the vaccination series is fully completed. Your puppy can be considered immune to parvovirus but there are many other infectious diseases he/she needs to be vaccinated against.

 

Other Pets

• Adult dogs that are current on their parvo vaccinations are not susceptible to infection. If an adult dog at home is not current, a booster shot is definitely in order.
• The introduction of new puppies poses a problem as the parvovirus persists a long time in the environment. If possible, only puppies that have completed their vaccination series should be introduced into an environment where parvovirus has been present. Any obviously contaminated material should be removed (fecal or vomit contaminated objects that cannot be bleached, any remaining areas of feces, etc.)

Bathing

• Your puppy may be bathed any time as long as you do not allow him/her to get cold or chilled after the bath. Bathing will reduce the amount of virus left on the puppy’s fur and will help reduce contagion.

 

Resuming Vaccines

• Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. Your puppy cannot be re-infected with this virus for at least 1 year but there are other viruses that your puppy should be protected against. Your veterinarian will give you a vaccination schedule to adhere to for the future.

 

What Are the Signs That My Dog Is Recovering From Parvo?

There are several signs that can let you know your dog is recovering from Parvo. Mostly, look out if your dog stops vomiting, their eating habits return to normal, there’s less to none blood in their feces, and their activity levels getting back to normal.

Dog Stops Vomiting

The virus causes the small intestine to bleed, affecting the gastrointestinal system that leads to vomiting and dehydration. As dogs with the infection become dehydrated, they may attempt to drink. However, any solid or liquid food they take in would usually come right back up.

Thus, one of the first signs that your dog is recovering from parvovirus is when he stops vomiting blood or foamy, yellow bile. Additionally, a recovering dog would stop drooling or foaming at the mouth.

Dog’s Eating Habits Return to Normal 

When a dog gets parvovirus, they will lose their appetite. Dogs might even lose weight even if their belly appears to bloat.

Another way of knowing that your dog is getting better from parvo is if they’re starting to regain a good appetite. This means being able to eat on his own and hold food down. Your veterinarian would most likely recommend a meal plan to ensure your dog is getting the nutrition they need.

Dog Stops Pooping Bloody Feces

Due to intestinal bleeding, dogs suffer from bloody diarrhea. Along with the undeniable color of blood, the stool has a unique yet strong odor.

You can tell if your dog is getting better from parvo if their stool is starting to go back to standard color and consistency. If there’s no blood and the feces are firmer, it means that the intestines are healing well.

Dog’s Activity Level Increases

Weakness or inaction is one of the first signs of parvo in dogs. As the infection progresses, your dog may not respond to your calls or commands. Your dog may not even have the energy to eat or play.

Parvo causes other problems such as fever, sepsis, and anemia, which all impact activity level. Once you notice that your dog has no trouble standing up or regaining interest with toys, you’ll know that your dog is on the road to recovery.

Recovering from parvo can take some time, depending on factors such as the age of your dog and breed. It also depends on how long your dog had parvo before treatment was initiated. In general, it will take a week for your dog to get better from parvo once treatment starts.

Puppies receive vaccination approximately eight to 16 weeks of age. This makes them vulnerable to parvo until they have completed all three shots of vaccination against the disease. Meanwhile, elderly dogs are not physically as strong as mature dogs, which makes their immune systems too weak to battle an infection.  

Puppies that are treated swiftly and survive the first 3-4 days of the infection may be able to make a full recovery. Once vomiting has subsided for 12-24 hours, easy-to-digest foods that are low in fat may be given at the recommendation of the veterinarian, such as cottage cheese, boiled chicken, and rice. The companionship and attention of the owner will help ameliorate stress.

Although dogs who recover from parvovirus are immune to reinfection, the amount of contamination they have spread may be significant, and the dog itself remains contagious for up to six weeks. Parvovirus is difficult to kill, being resistant to many common cleaners and disinfectants. In normal humidity at room temperature the virus can remain dangerous for months. All cleanable materials should be washed with a 1:10 bleach solution or an accelerated peroxide. All non-cleanable material should be disposed of such that no other animals can come in contact with it. Owners should take extreme care in washing their hands and cleaning the soles of shoes before leaving the area after petting their dog or cleaning up contaminated areas.

A few certain precautionary steps can ensure that Parvo doesn’t become an epidemic in your area and you can keep your dogs safe too.

• Encourage your peers to not buy small pups from unverified and illegal breeders. A licensed breeder is bound by law and contract to be transparent about the pup’s health condition with a potential parent and also operate in an ethical and hygienic way to ensure the safety of the mother and the newborns. An illegal breeder will not be bound by any such obligations.

• The pups must not be separated from their mother at least until they are 45 days old. Small pups develop immunity through mother’s milk and the practice of people picking up very small puppies from the streets and separating them from the mother must be discouraged.

• As mentioned before, Parvo in dogs can remain dormant for a very long time under the surface. If you have come in contact with an infected dog, make sure you don’t touch any other dog until you have sanitised yourself and cleaned your clothes and footwear.

• If you are someone who is interested in fostering or has a pup who is recovering from Parvo, use bleach to clean surfaces that other pets come in contact with as that is the only thing that can kill the virus on solid surfaces. As this is a very strong cleaning agent, do take the necessary precautions when handling it.
• Most importantly, during walks make sure that your pets are not sniffing dog faeces on the streets.

White Rice

When it comes to feeding dogs with digestive problems or even just a sensitive stomach, white rice is probably the most vet-recommended food option. Not only is it perfectly bland and quick to prepare, but it’s also easily digestible and low in fiber, meaning it can help make your dog’s stool more compact and prevent diarrhea. However, if your dog has diabetes, white rice may not be the best choice since it has a high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar spikes.

Additionally, keep in mind that you should never substitute white rice with brown rice. Even though it’s still rice, brown rice has a completely different nutritional value and isn’t recommended for dogs experiencing stomach problems. Unlike white rice, brown rice has an outer coat that can make it harder for your dog to digest. 

Oatmeal

Brown rice may not be a great alternative to white rice, but oatmeal is! What’s more is that it’s completely safe for diabetic dogs—beneficial even, since it helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. For dogs recovering from Parvo, oatmeal can aid in soothing the stomach while also providing lots of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s just as easy to prepare as white rice, just remember to give it in moderation.

When buying oatmeal for your pup, make sure that you stay away from the instant and flavored varieties, which are heavily processed and not as nutritious. Go for old-fashioned oatmeal that’s made from unprocessed whole grains and doesn’t contain sweeteners or additives. When preparing it, only use water and never milk. Even healthy dogs struggle to digest dairy properly, much less one that’s still recovering from the gastrointestinal effects of Parvo.

Boiled Chicken Breast

Unseasoned, boiled, skinless chicken breast is another popular easily digestible food for dogs that are recovering from Parvo. Best paired with white rice, boiled chicken breast can be fed in strips or in shredded form, to make it easier for your dog to chew and swallow. It’s loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it one of the best choices for dogs that need an immune boost.

Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes

For some variety, you may alternate between white rice, oatmeal, and potatoes or sweet potatoes as your dog’s main source of carbs. Then you can simply top either of the three with boiled chicken breast or ground beef, for added flavor and nutrition.

What’s great about potatoes and sweet potatoes is that they’re not only highly digestible and low in unhealthy fat, but they’re also rich in vitamins A, B, and C, meaning they can help enhance your recovering dog’s immune function, too. Additionally, potatoes, in particular, are known for their ability to solidify the stool and prevent diarrhea.

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