Understand the Symptoms

• 1). Recognize disease symptoms. It can take one to two weeks before symptoms manifest.
  
  
• 2). Watch for vomiting, which can become severe. Diarrhea often occurs as well, and may have a bloody appearance.
  
  
• 3
  Lethargy isn't a good sign.Janie Airey/Lifesize/Getty Images
  
  Observe your dog for a change in behavior. If your dog loses interest in playing, doesn't want to eat or seems depressed, a visit to your veterinarian is necessary. Your veterinarian can take blood and stool samples to diagnose parvo.
  
  

Treatment and Prevention

• 1
  Your dog may require hospitalization.David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Hospitalize your dog. Replace your dog's lost fluids by having your veterinarian administer an IV. In severe cases, antiemetic medication may be necessary to combat vomiting. Antidiarrheal medications and antibiotics may also be given.
  
  
• 2). Sterilize your home when your dog exhibits symptoms. Combine 1/2 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water.
  
  
• 3). Clean food bowls, water bowls and your dog's crate (if you own one) with the bleach solution and a sponge. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling your puppy. Launder your dog's bedding on your hottest washing machine cycle, and use bleach to disinfect the bedding. Regular detergent cannot kill the parvovirus.
  
  
• 4
  Vaccinate your puppy.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Vaccinate your puppy between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Revaccinate your puppy every three weeks until it reaches 20 weeks of age.
  
  
• 5). Ensure your puppy receives a booster vaccination at one year of age. Afterwards, keep vaccinations up-to-date.