Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy has parvo and isn't having bowel movements. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 3 days old | 30 lbs

Annie was reciently diagnosed with parvovirus. We took her to the vet the day after we she started vomiting(she still had regular bowel movements). When she got diagnosed she was very ill. Vomiting even the water she drank refusing to eat,loose stool, excessive mucus production. We decided to outpatient Annie and has been getting round the clock care at home with medicine for nausea antibiotics for the pain and subQ fluids. But she is refusing to have a bowel movement. Is this normal ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 14th, 2016

Since Annie has not been eating for a while, there is probably nothing left to eliminate. The worst now would be eliminating blood, but there is a good possibility that the little body is successfully fighting the infection and there will be no major damage to her intestines, and therefore no bloody diarrhea. You should star t offering her very small amounts of bland food (such as boiled white rice and boiled white chicken. If she vomits the food , wait a few hours and try giving her another teaspoonful of food. Unfortunately by not eating the intestinal villi which help with digestion, can die off. This is why we try to start food as early as possible in very small quantities as soon as the vomiting stops. Once Annie eats again there will be bowel movements again.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

    Published on

    If she is not eating she may not produce much stool. Nutrition is very crucial in parvo cases in order to keep the intestinal cells healthy and prevent hypoglycemia so encourage her to eat and drink. At this time, I would not be concerned unless she starts vomiting again, develops profound lethargy, or abdominal pain. The one thing you have to be concerned about in parvo puppies is a condition known as intussussception. Intussusception (telescoping intestine) in dogs is defined as a loop of intestine invaginated within an adjacent loop (intussuscipiens). This results in an obstruction and ultimately requires surgical intervention.

    Vote icon

    0Pet 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
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
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