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My puppy has parvo. Can Nutri-Cal absorb through his gums for energy?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 10 days old | 30 lbs

My puppy was diagnosed with parvo on Monday. He was injected at the vet and I’ve been giving him medicine from the vet at home. After a hectic week, he’s finally starting to improve significantly. Since he still can’t eat, the vet gave me nutri cal and said I can rub it on his gums. Can the mucous membranes in the gums absorb nutri cal? I don’t wanna be putting it on his gums for no reason

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 9th, 2019

Hello. I guess you did not see my previous answer. Nutrical is primarily a corn syrup based preparation used to supply calories. Calories supply energy to help your pet heal, feel better & hopefully not lose too much weight while he tries to recover from Parvo. There is nothing nutritional in Nutrical other than the calories from sugar. This sugar is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the gums. So yes, as long as Baxter does not vomit after putting the Nutrical on his gums, you should continue to do so until he is eating on his own. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 9th, 2019

    Hello. Nutrical is primarily sugar & sugar can be absorbed through the mucous membranes. The sugar helps to give Baxter energy through calories, so it helps in so many ways. Once Baxter is eating & holding down food, you can stop the Nutrical. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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