• Parvo is commonly seen in puppies.puppies image by Bobi from Fotolia.com
  
  Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious problems such as heart damage and even death, according to the ASPCA. This virus attacks dividing cells in a dog's body that can cause severe vomiting and lethargy. The ASPCA doesn't recommend home remedies for parvo, but some pet owners would rather try something natural to help their dog. Alternative treatments are not guaranteed to work, and this disease is often fatal, but there is no harm in attempting to use natural therapies along with veterinarian care.
  
  

Ginger

• Ginger is a home remedy that some people use to treat parvo. This herb produces the same effects on humans and dogs. Ginger helps dogs suffering with this disease by reducing nausea and vomiting, in addition to boosting the immune system. Buy ground ginger powder and mix it with water. Fill up a syringe and give the mixture to your dog until the nausea subsides. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that ginger is a digestive aid for stomach upset.
  
  

Bland Diet

• The Natural Health Techniques website claims dogs can recover from parvo, but it may take up to three months for your dog to totally shed the virus through its stool. Feeding your dog a bland diet helps it keep food down because bland foods don't usually cause nausea. Avoid feeding your dog treats, wet-dog food or food from the table while it's recovering from parvo. The bland diet mixture includes one large, chopped hard-boiled egg, 1/2 cup of cream of wheat, or up to two cups of boiled white rice, and 1/1/2 cups of full-fat cottage cheese. Mix all of these ingredients together and feed your dog 1 to 2 tbsp. daily up to four times each day. Place the extra food in the refrigerator so it lasts more than a few days. If your dog continues to vomit, cease the diet and feed your dog ice chips. However, once vomiting stops you can continue this diet. Mix 1 tbsp. of regular dog food into the diet gradually until your dog gets better.
  
  Clean up your dog's stool and dispose of it immediately to prevent spreading the virus to other dogs. Keep your house clean and disinfect blankets.
  
  

Ice Chips and Extra Water

• Dogs often die from parvo due to dehydration. The animal feels very lethargic and nauseous and won't seek food and water. Help your dog survive by ensuring it stays hydrated. Remain by your dog's side throughout the day and night. Continue feeding your dog ice chips and extra water even if it vomits the water back up. Simply continue giving your dog fluids because your dog will manage keep some of the fluids in its system. Your chances of success increase if you are consistent. Give your dog fluids and ice chips every 10 to 15 minutes until the vomiting subsides.