When our dog is sick, one of the first changes we will see is that stop eating with the same appetite And with the same enthusiasm as always. Depending on the illness, he may have more or less appetite, but he will stop chewing as much as when he was healthy and happy, especially if he has a serious illness like [the one mentioned]. canine parvovirus, which mainly affects the digestive system and causes vomiting and severe diarrhea.
If your friend has been diagnosed and you don't know what can a dog with parvovirus eatBelow we explain what you can give your child to keep them as healthy as possible so they can overcome the illness without problems. It is very important to understand that nutrition and hydration are key. complement to veterinary treatmentnot a substitute, and you should always follow the instructions of the professional handling your case.
In addition to diet, it is helpful to know the basics What is parvovirus?How it behaves in the body and why dehydration is so dangerous, as this will help you make better decisions at home and detect any signs of worsening in time.
Always keep it hydrated
One of the most frequent and dangerous symptoms of this disease is very watery diarrheaoften accompanied by vomiting. Both cause the dog to lose a large amount of fluid and electrolytes in a very short time, so to avoid any problems, make sure the dog drinks enough water and stays properly hydrated throughout the day.
If your pet is very young or very weak, your veterinarian will administer intravenous or subcutaneous serum at the clinic, or they will recommend giving them water or oral rehydration solutions with a syringe (no needleThese rehydration solutions contain mineral salts and glucose that help compensate for electrolyte losses due to diarrhea, something that water alone does not always achieve.
At home, unless your veterinarian advises otherwise, you can offer him small amounts of fresh water Offer water frequently rather than one large bowl at once, as this reduces the risk of vomiting again. If the dog drinks desperately and then immediately vomits it all up, it's best to ration the water every few minutes in small sips, or use a syringe and administer it slowly from the side of the mouth.
If you notice signs of severe dehydration Symptoms such as very dry gums, skin that is slow to return to its original position when gently pinched, sunken eyes, or extreme lethargy indicate that you shouldn't try to manage the situation alone at home: it requires professional help. immediate veterinary attentionbecause parvovirus can lead to very rapid hypovolemic shock.
Do not feed him until he has stopped vomiting
While the dog is vomiting repeatedly, any food you offer will further irritate its stomach and intestines and will likely it will not be digestedTherefore, during the acute phase of the disease, Feeding is not recommended until the vomiting has been controlled, usually with antiemetic medication prescribed by the veterinarian.
This period without food should not last more than 48 hours.During this time, you should only focus on keeping him hydrated with water or oral rehydration solution, following the professional's guidelines. The absolute priority in this phase is avoid dehydration and stabilize the dog, not get it to eat at all costs.
If you see him in a good mood, try giving him homemade chicken broth without salt or seasoningsAlways strain it so your baby only consumes the liquid, as it's easier to tolerate than solid food and provides some of the necessary nutrients and electrolytes. Offer it lukewarm, never very hot or straight from the refrigerator, so their stomach accepts it better.
Even so, don't force him to eat or drink if he resists a lot, because you could cause more problems. stress, nausea and risk of aspiration from the fluid into the lungs. We know it's very hard to see your friend sick, but when they have severe vomiting, it's best to respect the timelines set by the veterinarian and prioritize controlled hydration.
However, if 48 hours pass and the vomiting hasn't stopped, or if your dog suddenly worsens (increased lethargy, bloody diarrhea, high fever, or difficulty breathing), take him back to the vet so they can... Re-evaluate the treatmentbecause in some cases complications such as secondary infections or sepsis may occur.
Give him a soft diet to improve
Once the dog has already started to improve and He hasn't vomited for several hours.That will be the time to introduce it to him little by little. soft and easy-to-digest foodsThe idea is not to overload his intestine, which has been badly damaged by the virus, and to provide him with nutrients gradually so that he can regain strength without relapsing.
In the first few days it's not advisable to offer large portions, but small, frequent amounts (4 to 6 feedings daily) and always observe how well they tolerate them. If vomiting occurs again or diarrhea worsens, you will need to reduce the amount and consult your veterinarian. The most recommended foods during this phase are:
- Good quality canned foodThat is, it contains neither grains nor by-products, and is specifically formulated as a gastrointestinal or recovery diet. These wet foods usually contain very soft texture and a balanced content of highly digestible proteins and moderate fats.
- Natural food, such as the Yum Diet (which looks like minced meat with some vegetables) or other homemade diets prescribed by the veterinarian, always with lean protein (well-cooked chicken, turkey, or rabbit) and soft carbohydrates such as white rice. It is important to avoid excessive fats and seasonings.
- Homemade chicken broth without salt or seasoningswhich can continue to be offered as a complement to solid food during the first few days, providing liquid and some energy when the dog is not yet ready to chew too much.
- White rice prepared with only water, well cooked until very soft, which helps regulate the intestine and serves as a base to mix with small portions of cooked lean meat when the veterinarian gives the go-ahead.
In some cases, the professional may also recommend probiotics specifically for dogs These products help restore the intestinal flora damaged by infection and medication. They are not a substitute for food, but they can improve stool consistency and promote faster digestive recovery.
As your dog's appetite grows, you will be able to gradually increase the amount From the bland diet, and always following the veterinarian's instructions, gradually reintroduce their usual food (kibble or balanced homemade food). This change should be made very gradually, first mixing a small portion of their normal food with the bland diet for several days.
Thus, in addition to the medications prescribed by a veterinarian And with proper hydration, you will have a very good chance of overcoming parvovirus. The combination of professional treatment, strict hydration controlA gentle diet and a calm, clean home environment are the best ways to give your dog a chance to thrive.
When the critical phase is over and your dog shows interest in food again, moves with more energy, and produces increasingly firm stools, you will know that the effort has been worthwhile and that your constant support, along with veterinary follow-up, has been key to his returning to a healthy life.