When your dog receives his vaccines, one of the diseases covered is parvovirus (parvo for short). Since many dog parents feel that their pet is receiving the proper and necessary care from their veterinarian, they often don’t ask for details on vaccines. So what exactly IS parvo?
Parvo is a dangerous viral infection that is highly contagious through direct or indirect contact with an infected animal. The virus attacks the rapidly dividing cells within an animal’s body, primarily affecting the intestinal tract, as well as attacking the white blood cells. In young or unprotected pets, the heart may also be permanently damaged.
The symptoms of parvo are lethargy, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea, which can lead to severe dehydration. (This already sounds pretty bad, right?) As previously stated, it may be transmitted by direct contact with an infected animal through their feces, but the really bad thing is that the virus can live for months (yes, you heard correctly) on surfaces such as floors, bedding, pet bowls, grass, the soles of your shoes, etc. Unfortunately, the virus is resistant to most types of disinfectants. So if you know that an infected dog has been on your premises, what do you do to get rid of the virus? According to PetMD, the best way is to mix 1 part bleach with 32 parts water and use this solution to clean infected areas where no organic matter is present. Bowls and toys should all be washed thoroughly and then soaked in the bleach solution for 10 minutes. If this is not possible to do, then the items must be discarded. Also use this solution on the soles of your shoes. Areas that are harder to keep clean, such as floors, sidewalks, etc. may need to be resurfaced. (I am serious.)
Conventional treatment of parvo is expensive as it requires a lengthy stay at the doggie hospital. The dog is given intravenous fluids to combat dehydration, drugs to control vomiting, and antibiotics, most likely to combat secondary infections, as many viruses are not affected by antibiotics. However, a dog suffering from parvo will have an overall weakened immune system which must be protected. Please bear in mind that there is no actual cure for this nasty disease, and treatments are not always successful. This disease is often fatal.
BUT…if you read this column regularly, you will note that yours truly favors more natural treatments for illnesses (depending on the overall situation). There is a very interesting article in the July/August 2014 issue of Dogs Naturally Magazine (one of my favorite go-tos) regarding treatment for parvo using homeopathic nosodes. The veterinarian who wrote the article, Todd Cooney, DVM CVH, notes that many young puppies have adverse, even allergic, reactions to vaccines. Several years ago, Dr. Cooney began using homeopathic nosodes instead of injectable vaccines and noticed an elimination of the allergic reactions (such as hives) that puppies had experienced after receiving injectable vaccines. (Note: Dr. Cooney still administers rabies vaccines because the law requires it.)
A homeopathic nosode is a solution made from the products of disease, which is dissolved in a solution and given to the animals in very small doses. Dr. Cooney’s clinic offers a wellness package for puppies that includes nosodes instead of vaccines. The clinic’s records over an 18-month period show that 275 puppies were examined for the wellness package. Of these, 12 became ill and tested positive for parvovirus, with 10 of the 12 surviving the disease. 35 puppies who did not receive the wellness package tested positive; of these, 15 died and 20 lived. Of the total 30 survivors, only 6 had received the parvo vaccine, but 13 of the 17 puppies that died had been vaccinated. 15 of the survivors had received nosodes only and did not receive the vaccine; none of the puppies who died were receiving nosodes only. A small number had received the vaccine, followed by nosodes. Of these, 1 survived and 5 died. All of the puppies received only homeopathic medicines as treatment; however, these medicines work much better in non-vaccinated animals. To sum up the figures, a total of 19 of 47 puppies received the vaccine and still came down with parvo, with 76% mortality. Of the puppies who received nosodes only, the mortality rate was zero.
I think I’d rather take my chances with nosodes than the vaccine, but finding a vet who practices homeopathic medicine can be difficult. If you wish to pursue this type of treatment for your CBF (canine best friend), check with the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy.
