Many puppies become sick with parvovirus infection. This is because the culprit, the canine parvovirus, is present everywhere. With hospitalization, a puppy can overcome the parvovirus. And with the right handling of the puppy when he comes home, the puppy will eventually lead a normal and healthy life.
To help the puppy completely recover from his parvovirus infection, the owner must keep in mind five important aspects of the puppy’s life. These are:
- Complete medication
When the puppy is finally allowed to go home, he may still continue taking medications given by his veterinarian. The medication is not for the parvovirus infection. It is for the nausea and diarrhea that the puppy suffered when he was infected by the parvovirus. The puppy owner is advised to insist on administering the medication throughout the full time prescribed by the animal doctor. If the diarrhea persists, the puppy must be taken back to the vet. - Healthy diet
The puppy’s diet must be based on the recommendations of the veterinarian. Usually, the foods suggested will be pasta, boiled chicken, and white rice. These foods are easy to digest and will not harm the still sensitive intestinal tract of the puppy. Scraps of food from the table should not be given.
The owner must also make sure that the puppy will not overeat. Such may happen because the puppy feels a strong hunger after being kept away from the food he likes while in the animal clinic. The best approach that the owner can do is to give small meals every one or two hours. - Hygiene
A bath is recommended because it can wash away many parvoviruses that stuck to the puppy’s coat. But the owner must remember that the puppy is still recovering from a serious illness. Thus, the owner must take measures so that the puppy will not be shivering with chill after the bath, - Appropriate exercise
Exercise is a vital part of the puppy’s life. But, after being infected by the parvovirus, the puppy must take it slower for awhile. He must not be allowed to visit parks or come back to his obedience school for at least a month. This is to prevent the puppy from spreading the parvovirus to other puppies and dogs. - Social life
The canine parvovirus cannot infect humans and other animals. The household cat, the owner, and the members of the family will not become ill due to the canine parvovirus. But this virus can certainly attack other dogs. The puppy must keep himself isolated for about one month before he can play with other puppies.