Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My puppy has parvo. Can she survive? Is hydration or a vaccine enough?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can my dog survive parvo within aday ofshowing symptoms? An we give her a shot for parvo? She about 5months.Will she be okay if we keep her hydrated

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2016

A dog's chances of survival with parvovirus are entirely dependent on the pets will to thrive and genetics. But yes, you do increase survival with quick veterinary action and appropriate treatment.

The parvo vaccine at this time is not recommended because you suspect she may already be infected with parvovirus. The same applies to people, if a person has the flu already it is not advised to give them the flu vaccine.

She will most likely not be okay with just hydration because parvovirus requires a multiple treatment for the best chance at survival. It is best to take her to your vet for proper medical treatment for parvovirus, which can be treated at home with medication given to you by the vet if you cannot hospitalize her (which is the optimal treatment). I have been successful in saving parvo infected pets with having the owner return daily for injectable antibiotics, anti-nausea medications, subcutaneous fluids and Vitamin B injections. I wish the best for your puppy!

34Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
IF she has Parvo she needs antibiotic treatment as well as other medications, keeping her hydrated is not enough. if she had a parvo vaccination after symptoms started it's not likely to help. if she had the vaccination at least 2 weeks before it started the disease might be milder.
27Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM
Veterinarian
Non hospitalized dogs have about a 50% survival rate. Hospitalized dogs are above 90%. With parvo virus, death is due to lack of hydration and electrolytes. The damage to the intestinal tract prevents absorption of these from the GI tract. It is for this reason that hospitalized patients survive more often because they receive supportive care through and intravenous catheter.
25Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Christie Long, DVM
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
The short answer to your question is yes, dogs can survive parvo. However, they need aggressive treatment that goes beyond simply keeping them hydrated, which becomes difficult (if not impossible) to do at home. Dogs with parvo are extremely nauseous and typically cannot keep oral fluids down. There was a recent study that showed an 85% survival rate of parvo puppies treated at home, but these dogs were administered injectable drugs (a one time dose of antibiotic, as well as daily doses of anti-nausea medications) as well as fluids given under the skin (to bypass the GI tract and correct dehydration). You will need the help of a competent veterinarian in order to accomplish this, as these drugs are prescription-only.

The vaccine will likely have no action at this point.
24Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Can an unvaccinated dog survive Parvo? What are the chances?

It can survive, but parvo is a very deadly disease so there is a good chance the dog can die. 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. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 3-month-old street puppy has parvo. Can it survive? What to do?

A 3 month old puppy can survive parvo virus but it usually takes veterinary care to prevent dehydration from the vomiting and diarrhea. Most dogs with parvo require intravenous fluids, anti-vomiting medications, antibiotics, and other medications to treat. He should be examined and treated by a vet, if possible, to confirm the diagnosis and treat. The prognosis without veterinary care is not good, especially if he has severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has parvovirus. Can home remedies help him survive?

Sadly puppies needs a lot of supportive care to be able to pull through Parvovirus infection. Sometimes even with all the necessary care, they don’t make it.I t depends also on Walker ‘s immune system and how strong he is but he should really have at least intravenous fluids and antisickness medications. Hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has parvo, still vomiting and lethargic. Will she make it?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Yumi. I am sorry to hear that she is so ill. Most puppies do survive a parvovirus infection, but they require aggressive care. She will need to be on IV fluids, injectable antibiotics, and anti-nausea medication. Your veterinarian is right that she needs to eat. If the medication can control her vomiting, this will help her to keep food down. There is no way to know for sure if she will survive, but it sounds like you are providing her the care she needs. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy has Parvo. Is Parvo-K good if vet treatment is too expensive?

It really depends on the severity of their disease. If they have a mild case than it might help but if they have severe vomiting and diarrhea than they need to be hospitalized on iv fluids with medications to help control the vomiting, diarrhea, and secondary bacterial infections. Parvo can be a fatal disease if left untreated. Hope your puppies feel better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has parvo symptoms, home remedies failing. What to do?

Hello. Please, please, please, see your veterinarian. Your older pup has a good chance of survival with the right treatment. This does not automatically mean hospitalization, many of these pups can be treated at home with the right instructions, medications, fluids, etc. But you do want to have the pup examined so that you know what you need to do at home. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share