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Adopting a parvo puppy: Will they have long-term health issues?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female

Considering adopting a puppy who is recovering from parvo. Will the dog have longterm health issues as a result?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 29th, 2017

Parvovirus is difficult to treat, mostly because it requires extensive fluid and nutritional support. There is no medication that will cure the virus, and treatment is supportive until the puppy clears the virus naturally. It depends heavily on when treatment starts and how far along in the infection the puppy was. Parvovirus damages the intestinal lining, which results in watery diarrhea and an inability of the puppy to absorb nutrients from food. The good news is that the intestinal lining replenishes itself every few days or so, so there is no chronic damage to the intestine. Puppies who recover from parvo can go on to live perfectly normal lives, but may be a little skinnier that other puppies their age. If you are planning to adopt Penny, I recommend making sure she has been symptom free and is eating/drinking on her own before bringing her home to avoid her becoming dehydrated or lethargic. I hope this helps and wish you luck!

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11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 30th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he has stopped eating, he should be reevaluated. Treating parvovirus is all about supportive care and the quicker they resume eating the better. You can try other highly palatable foods like Science diet a/d or lean hamburger meat or chicken with rice. Parvovirus is a severe gastroenteritis that affect puppies more often. This is a viral infection so there is no direct treatment for the virus so the treatment per se is directed at treating secondary bacterial infections and mostly helping with the clinical symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and inappetence. This warrants ideally hospitalization with some cases being able to be managed with outpatient care depending on its severity. I recommend that you follow up with a veterinarian who can institute therapy for Bolt as soon as possible. The quicker this condition gets treated the better the outcome tends to be. His body weight is appropriate for his age mostly based on the fact that he has a good body condition based on those pictures. Good luck! Hoping for a quick recovery!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Britni Miller, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 30th, 2017

    Chances of surviving parvovirus are 50/50. If her vomiting and diarrhea are getting better, this may be a good sign. She does need to eat though. Things you can try are boiled chicken, hamburger, or turkey. You can also try scrambled eggs, low fat cottage cheese, chicken or turkey baby food (they tend to really like this). Rotisserie chickens are also very tasty to them. Add some rice to whatever you feed Sassy. I hope she gets better! And keep giving her as much fluids as you can!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 26th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor boy, he is so adorable! Parvovirus is a severe gastroenteritis that affect puppies more often. This is a viral infection so there is no direct treatment for the virus so the treatment per se is directed at treating secondary bacterial infections and mostly helping with the clinical symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and inappetence. This warrants ideally hospitalization with some cases being able to be managed with outpatient care depending on its severity. I recommend that you follow up with a veterinarian who can institute therapy for Blu as soon as possible. The quicker this condition gets treated the better the outcome tends to be. Usually this requires IV fluids, antibiotics and supportive care medications. Honestly, there is no specific diet that should be fed. The most important thing is to get him to eat as soon as possible as nutrition is key for recovery. Good luck! Hoping for a quick recovery!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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