Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has parvo and won't eat or poop. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 15 days old | 35 lbs

My dog has parvo. I took him to the vet and he is on the fluid IV He will drink water on his own as well so I have been mixing water and pedialyte together. I have been giving him chicken broth through a syringe also peto bysmale through a syringe once as I heard this coats his stomach. He has had an antibiotic shot to prevent a secondary virus attack and has been resting. No bowl movement and won't eat. Going to try parvaid as well as this is an immune booster and will help with the symptoms.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 8th, 2016

Poor Shadow! I'm glad he's getting treatment from the vet, and I hope he does recover. It's normal that he won't eat, as he's feeling pretty sick, and it may take him some time to want to eat again. As for the bowel movements, if he's not eating, there will be nothing for him to pass at the moment. I did not see a question in your post, so if you do have a question, if you could please post again so that the experts can help you better, that would be appreciated :-)

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 8th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Chiquita! I would ask for canned Hill's a/d from your Vet and a syringe. Water down the a/d and start syringe feeding. As long as she isn't vomiting and holds down the syringe feeding you are helping her intestines heal. Over the next several says she will start eating on her own. We just need to get her started. Also mention the worms, if you haven't done so already, to your Vet and be sure she gets properly dewormed at parasites can make parvo worse. I wouldn't be concerned about the not pooping since she hasn't been eating and likely was having diarrhea then it is normal to not poop. I wish Chiquita the best!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 17th, 2017

    Brooklyn is such a cutie! I'm so sorry that she has parvo. It is good that she is drinking on her own. If she is refusing to eat, you could try making a mixture of boiled chicken and boiled plain white rice, putting it in a blender to make it very smooth and feeding her with a syringe. If she isn't eating, then she won't be producing stool. If she is still not eating or not able to keep down what you feed her, then the best thing to do is to hospitalize her at the veterinary clinic. If this isn't possible, then you may want to ask your veterinarian to prescribe a medication to treat nausea and vomiting so she will be more likely to eat and keep it down. I hope she gets better soon!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 6th, 2019

    Poor pup! This does sound pretty normal for a recovery from parvovirus - intermittent vomiting can continue for several days. It is concerning that he will not eat and if this continues he may need to be hospitalized again. You could try some boiled chicken breast or canned dog food that has been heated up. Meat flavored baby food might be another option. If he is continuing to vomit or does not want to eat you should contact your vet again.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored