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What should I do if my 3-month-old puppy has parvo? Home care tips?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 6 lbs

Thanks in advance to someone who can answer this. I will take my chances. What are the home remedies of treating parvo virus on my 3 months old puppy, Maze. Please help me.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2019

All you can do is supportive care meaning trying to give her fluids (something like children's Pedialyte) and small amounts of food (like human baby food, meat flavors). Do tiny amounts every hour or two. Hopefully she will be able to keep it down. The reason they need to be in the hospital on IVs is because they vomit up everything you try to give them by mouth. Keep her warm and comfortable. I really don't think people understand the seriousness of this disease. This disease (that is absolutely preventable with proper vaccinations) kills their intestinal cells and then depletes their white blood cells so they cannot fight the virus (among other terrible things this virus does). She should really be hospitalized with intravenous fluids, intravenous antibiotics, anti-nausea medications, pain medications and trickle feeding. Often times a plasma transfusion is needed to replace all the lost white blood cells. If you want to give her the best chance at survival then you need to get her to a vet for hospitalization. If finances are a concern I would have tried to direct you to a low cost clinic but since you did not provide your correct zip code I am unable to do so. I suggest you do your own research on the internet. Sorry, but this disease is not easily treated at home. You can try the above but that is about all you can do from home. If you would like to post again with your proper location then maybe we can direct you to a clinic or organization that can help you.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2017

    Oh no, poor Bailey! He needs medications which include antibiotics (injectable Cefazolin or Ampicillin if he 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 he is getting fluid therapy, he is getting much needed electrolytes which is greatly beneficial towards his improvement because dehydration is the number one cause of death in these pets. You can also offer him small amounts of Pediasure using a syringe or small turkey baster. I hope this helps and he recovers!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 24th, 2017

    Oh my. I am so sorry your pet Harley has been infected with this very deadly disease. She needs proper treatment if he is going to be given the best opportunity to survive this. The main killer of this disease is dehydration, so continuing the fluid therapy at home (via subcutaneous fluids) is the #1 focus of treatment. Ask the vet if you can purchase an entire bag of saline to continue giving her and get the proper training on how to administer this. The second most important treatment is antibiotics and anti-vomit medication. You should get these in injectable form, to prevent vomiting of the medication right back up. Your vet can administer these injections to your pet on a daily basis via appt, if you cannot afford to hospitalize Harley. I have done this lots of times with pets and have managed to help them survive parvovirus. Tamiful (antiviral) is optional and I have not seen a drastic improvement with survival rate when using this oral medication. And also trying to give Harley small amounts of a bland diet (when tolerated) is crucial to quick recovery time. Even a liquid diet of Pediasure or low sodium chicken broth can be given. You can also try Pedialyte (if tolerated) but the subcutaneous fluids are far superior and will stay in the pets body, as opposed to oral Pedialyte which can be vomited back up, leading to increased dehydration. I wish your pup the best and hope she makes a full recovery.

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