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Treating Canine Parvovirus: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

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In our previous article, we discussed how dangerous Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) is for dogs. Unfortunately, there is still no cure — but with the right veterinary care, many dogs can survive and recover fully.

How Parvovirus Is Treated

Treatment for Parvovirus focuses on intensive supportive care and managing the complications caused by the infection. This typically includes:

  • Hospitalisation and intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and restore electrolyte balance
  • Anti-nausea medication to reduce vomiting and improve comfort
  • Antibiotics to protect against secondary bacterial infections
  • Nutritional support, including feeding tubes if a dog is unable to eat on its own
  • Close monitoring of vital lab values, including blood glucose, potassium, serum protein, white blood cells, and red blood cells

Abnormalities in these parameters can be addressed as needed.

We often add potassium and glucose to intravenous fluids to prevent life-threatening low levels of both, as these are the most common metabolic problems we see in Parvo cases.

We generally do not give anti-diarrhoeal medication, as it’s important for the dog to pass the virus-laden stool and clear harmful material from the intestines.

Worms — whether visible in the stool or not — can worsen the disease, so all Parvo cases are dewormed as part of their treatment plan.

Parvo is a serious illness that requires constant attention, often over several days of hospital care.

New Developments in Parvo Treatment

In recent years, monoclonal antibody therapy has emerged as a promising new treatment in some parts of the world. While results are encouraging, access remains limited and the cost can be high.

For most dogs, early, aggressive supportive care continues to offer the best chance of survival.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Dogs infected with Parvovirus can deteriorate very quickly — sometimes within hours. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

Puppies and small-breed dogs are particularly vulnerable due to their size, weaker immune systems, and lower fluid reserves.

Prevention Is Always Better

While modern veterinary medicine can save many dogs from Parvo, vaccination remains the most effective protection.
 It is safe, affordable, and far less costly than emergency hospitalisation.

If your dog’s vaccinations aren’t up to date, now is the time to act.

Bruma Lake Vet
1 Glanville Avenue, Cyrildene
Call 011 622 8813 or WhatsApp 065 977 1082 to book your dog’s vaccinations or to learn more about Parvovirus prevention.

How Often Should Dogs Be Vaccinated Against Parvovirus, Distemper, and Hepatitis?

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A client recently asked us a great question: “Are vaccinations for Parvovirus and Distemper a once-off, or do they need to be repeated?”

It’s an important topic — and the answer could save your pet’s life.

Vaccinations are not a once-off. They’re essential for maintaining your pet’s immunity and protecting them from preventable, often fatal diseases such as Parvovirus, Distemper, and Infectious Canine Hepatitis throughout their life.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Starting at 5–6 weeks old, puppies receive their first vaccination. Three vaccinations are given, each one month apart. These protect against:

  • Distemper
  • Infectious Canine Hepatitis
  • Parvovirus
  • Coronavirus
  • Parainfluenza

The third vaccination also includes Rabies.

Important: Don’t let your puppy leave your property until at least two weeks after their third vaccination, when their immunity is properly developed.

Adult Dog Vaccinations

At one year old:
Your dog needs a booster for all vaccines, including Rabies. This is their fourth vaccination.

At two years old:
Another full booster is recommended for continued protection.

After this, the frequency of vaccination depends on your dog’s lifestyle and risk level:

  • Active dogs (those that go for walks, attend training, go to daycare or stay in kennels, or participate in shows): Annual vaccinations
  • Homebodies (dogs that rarely leave the property): Every second year
  • High Rabies risk areas (such as KwaZulu-Natal) or dogs that travel between provinces: Annual Rabies vaccination is mandatory

Dogs that stay in kennels or attend daycare should also receive a Kennel Cough (Bordetella) vaccination, as this infection spreads easily in social environments.

Why Staying Up to Date Matters

Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current protects them from serious and preventable diseases — and helps prevent the spread of these illnesses in your community.

It’s also important to know that Parvovirus and other infections are dose-dependent — meaning the severity of infection can depend on how many virus particles your dog is exposed to.

If there have been many Parvo cases in your area, or if your dog has come into contact with a Parvo case, you should vaccinate immediately, even if you normally fall into the group that vaccinates every two years.

If you’re unsure when your pet’s last vaccination was, contact us to check their records or schedule a booster.

Bruma Lake Vet
1 Glanville Avenue, Cyrildene
Call 011 622 8813 or WhatsApp 065 977 1082 to book your pet’s vaccinations or confirm their schedule.