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Pets often stand to get infected by microbes. Dogs are vulnerable to a condition called canine parvovirus (in short parvo or CPV). However, by vaccinating your furry pet, such risks can be prevented. Parvovirus was first detected in the late 1960s; it is more common among younger pups as well as adolescent canines. Vaccines have sizably reduced the incidence of parvo, but the risks still loom at large. So, if your dog has parvo, how much amoxicillin can be given? It is important to know this prior to start your pet’s treatment.

Parvo is a form of virus and can lead to serious infections among younger dogs as well as unvaccinated pets. Once it infects your canine, your pet’s bone marrow and gastric tract are at greater risk. You need to stay aware that this virus is contagious, and can spread through the air. The viral strand contaminates your pet’s stools; however, it can infect your pet’s paws or fur upon coming in touch with stools. The bad news however is – this viral strand can live for a fairly long time (i.e., for months). However, owners are unlikely to get affected by this virus.

Your furry friend is likely to show a few signs upon being infected. The key signs of infection include being tired or displaying lethargy as well as a loss of appetite; yes, dogs tend to ignore food when they are down with parvovirus. An increase in body temperature is also likely to show up. As the infection gains momentum, you are likely to see your pet vomiting very often; in many instances, your dog is also likely to witness loose stools or diarrhea. Younger pets/pups may lose their consciousness due to a drop in body temperature (i.e., hypothermia) or faster heartbeats (i.e., tachycardia).

Can I give antibiotics to my dog having parvo?

Parvo is a virus and hence antibiotic meds may have a very limited effect on it. However, to treat secondary infections, a few antibiotics may be administered. You need to know your canine’s gastric tract already has bacterial strands in it. As mentioned earlier, parvovirus is more likely to attack your dog’s intestinal system as well as its bone marrow. Your pet’s intestinal system is more likely to witness a rupture – owing to which bacteria in your dog’s gut may enter the pet’s blood. A condition known as sepsis is more likely to show up. The use of antibiotics is recommended to treat such septic conditions.
Antibiotics such as metronidazole, cefazolin, etc. are commonly used for treating sepsis. These are broad-spectrum drugs, with capabilities to fight infections in the gastric tract. The range of antibacterial drugs includes meds like ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfa as well as gentamicin.

Metronidazole – This drug is given to dogs only if a qualified vet prescribes it. Its use is mainly for treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), incessant spells of diarrhea as well as vomiting. As an extended use, metronidazole is used for killing parasitical microbes living off the intestinal walls. As the key ingredients of this med are likely to cross the blood-brain fence, you are likely to witness a few neuro-linked side effects in your pet. Common among such side effects include the inability to maintain balance, being in a depressed frame of mind, loss of coordination, etc. This drug must not be given to dogs living with prior conditions such as hepatic dysfunction (hepatitis or swelling of the liver). Talk to your vet to know the likely risk factors as well as precautions.

Ampicillin – This is an antibiotic med used on dogs for a variety of bacterial infections. It is used for treating infections in your pet’s urinary tract, secondary infections caused by canine parvovirus, and a few other skin conditions/infections on soft tissues. The typical dosage hovers at 10 mg; in case of above-normal infections, a dose of 25 mg is administered. Such larger doses are given when your pet is down with antibiotic-resisting strand – for example, canine parvovirus. In some cases, bacterial infections may seep into your pet’s central nervous system (CNS); in such cases, an injectable form of ampicillin is considered. The dosage strength is maintained at less than 10 mg per kg of your pet’s body weight. The dose is usually administered twice each day. A few side effects such as loss of appetite, loose stools, or diarrhea may show up. These are considered minor discomforts. But, severe side effects such as tachycardia or breathing difficulties (wheezing or gasping) may need medical support on an emergency basis.

Trimethoprim-sulfa – This is used for dogs as an off-label antibiotic med. It is used for treating infections in the prostate region as well as bacterial infections in your pet’s urinary bladder. Dogs may develop a few side effects like an increase in body temperature, discoloration of eyes (yellowish color), swelling of facial organs, frequent spells of urination, etc. If your dog already has liver problems such as inflammation or cirrhosis of the liver, talk to your vet about its safety level. Also, this med is likely to work adversely when your dog is administered with drugs such as diuretics / potassium-sparing meds, antacids, etc. In general, it is a safe practice to tell your vet about all the other drugs administered to your dog.

Cefazolin – It is used on dogs as an off-label drug. It is effective in the treatment of gram-positive strands of bacteria such as streptococcus as well as staphylococcus. In some pets, this drug may cause abdominal discomforts such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

Gentamycin – This drug is used among dogs to treat bacterial infections in your pet’s blood (sepsis), respiratory tract infections, inner ear conditions/infections, etc. Side effects include becoming dehydrated, hepatic damage, ulcers in the abdominal region, loss of appetite, etc. This drug always needs to be administered under the guidance and supervision of a qualified vet.

In sum, canine parvovirus is a serious infection caused by a virus attack. Younger dogs as well as unvaccinated pets are more likely to witness such infections. As parvo is a virus, antibacterial drugs may have restricted use here. But, to treat sepsis – a secondary condition caused by parvo, antibiotics are widely given to dogs. Antibacterial drugs such as metronidazole, cefazolin, ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfa as well as gentamicin are largely used for needful relief from infections triggered by sepsis.