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My puppy has parvo. Can she survive? Is hydration or a vaccine enough?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Can my dog survive parvo within aday ofshowing symptoms? An we give her a shot for parvo? She about 5months.Will she be okay if we keep her hydrated

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2016

A dog's chances of survival with [parvovirus](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/parvovirus/) are entirely dependent on the pets will to thrive and genetics. But yes, you do increase survival with quick veterinary action and appropriate treatment. The parvo vaccine at this time is not recommended because you suspect she may already be infected with parvovirus. The same applies to people, if a person has the flu already it is not advised to give them the flu vaccine. She will most likely not be okay with just hydration because parvovirus requires a multiple treatment for the best chance at survival. It is best to take her to your vet for proper medical treatment for parvovirus, which can be treated at home with medication given to you by the vet if you cannot hospitalize her (which is the optimal treatment). I have been successful in saving parvo infected pets with having the owner return daily for injectable antibiotics, anti-nausea medications, subcutaneous fluids and Vitamin B injections. I wish the best for your puppy!

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34Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    IF she has Parvo she needs antibiotic treatment as well as other medications, keeping her hydrated is not enough. if she had a parvo vaccination after symptoms started it's not likely to help. if she had the vaccination at least 2 weeks before it started the disease might be milder.

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    27Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Non hospitalized dogs have about a 50% survival rate. Hospitalized dogs are above 90%. With parvo virus, death is due to lack of hydration and electrolytes. The damage to the intestinal tract prevents absorption of these from the GI tract. It is for this reason that hospitalized patients survive more often because they receive supportive care through and intravenous catheter.

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    25Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    The short answer to your question is yes, dogs can survive parvo. However, they need aggressive treatment that goes beyond simply keeping them hydrated, which becomes difficult (if not impossible) to do at home. Dogs with parvo are extremely nauseous and typically cannot keep oral fluids down. There was a recent study that showed an 85% survival rate of parvo puppies treated at home, but these dogs were administered injectable drugs (a one time dose of antibiotic, as well as daily doses of anti-nausea medications) as well as fluids given under the skin (to bypass the GI tract and correct dehydration). You will need the help of a competent veterinarian in order to accomplish this, as these drugs are prescription-only. The vaccine will likely have no action at this point.

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    24Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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