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Does my puppy with parvo have a better chance if hospitalized?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 4 days old | 1.3 lbs

I have a 1.3 pound 4 week old puppy who was diagnosed with parvo today & coccidia. We got sent home with toltrazuril and nutri-cal. I was told there's nothing the vet can do that I can't do at home. I'm really worried, I'd think that a vet could provide some care that Icouldn't. Is hospitalization a better option? Does my puppy stand a better chance being hospitalized?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 1st, 2019

Yes, hospitalization is the best option. Parvovirus treatment consists of aggressive supportive care to control the symptoms and boost your dog’s immune system to help Diamond win the battle against this dangerous disease. Dogs infected with parvovirus need intensive treatment in a veterinary hospital, where they receive antibiotics, drugs to control the vomiting, intravenous fluids, and other supportive therapies. I would take her back into a vet clinic immediately. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 20th, 2019

    I'm very sorry Rocky may have parvo. Being in the hospital is the best thing for him. To have the best chance of survival, your dog does need to be hospitalized. Parvovirus treatment consists of aggressive supportive care to control the symptoms and boost your dog’s immune system to help him win the battle against this dangerous disease. Dogs infected with parvovirus need intensive treatment in a veterinary hospital, where they receive antibiotics, drugs to control the vomiting, intravenous fluids and other supportive therapies. I hope that he recovers!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 24th, 2019

    Oh no, poor Tuffy! To have the best chance of survival, your dog does need to be hospitalized. Parvovirus treatment consists of aggressive supportive care to control the symptoms and boost your dog’s immune system to help him win the battle against this dangerous disease. Dogs infected with parvovirus need intensive treatment in a veterinary hospital, where they receive antibiotics, drugs to control the vomiting, intravenous fluids and other supportive therapies. She needs medications which include antibiotics (injectable Cefazolin or Ampicillin is needed if she isn't eating), anti-nausea medication (i.e Cerenia or Metoclopramide), and nutritional support (Nutri-cal, available over the counter perhaps at your local pet store). As long as she is getting fluid therapy, she is getting much needed electrolytes which is greatly beneficial towards her improvement because dehydration is the number one cause of death in these pets. You can also offer her small amounts of Pediasure using a syringe or small turkey baster.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 6th, 2020

    Poor Jony. To have the best chance of survival, your dog does need to be hospitalized. Parvovirus treatment consists of aggressive supportive care to control the symptoms and boost your dog’s immune system to help him win the battle against this dangerous disease. Dogs infected with parvovirus need intensive treatment in a veterinary hospital, where they receive antibiotics, drugs to control the vomiting, intravenous fluids, and other supportive therapies.

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