21/03/2026
Thank you HUHANZ and The Purrfect Pawz for sharing this important information. Please watch your dogs carefully. I have been unfortunate enough to witness the devastation of Parvo a few years ago when our dog walker's beautiful Newfoundland, Rudy died. He was young and healthy and had been vaccinated so when he got sick she didn't think it was Parvo. Somehow the vaccine didn't take. This is extremely rare (1 in 1000) but please be vigilant.
âźď¸PARVO WARNING: PORIRUA DOG OWNERSâźď¸
There is a Parvo outbreak in Porirua and the virus is spreading fast!!
If you your dog or pup seems unwell, and showing symptoms or lethargy, being off its food, is vomiting or has diarrhea. Please dont wait, book a parvo test at your local vet clinic straightaway - the sooner your pup is diagnosed, the sooner you can get treatment, and the better the chance of survival!
HUHA is not a normal day to day vet clinic, we are a compassionate referral clinic.
This means to access our free nurse run Parvo outpatient clinic, you must see your vet first.
We are only allowed to treat your pet for Parvo with a diagnosis and referral from your vet. If you need help with the vet visit and referral to us, please call the SPCA for support.
Here is your check list
1. If your dog is unwell and you suspect Parvo, go to your local vet for a quick check and Parvo test - Ring first and stay in your car, they will come out to you. (you can spread the virus on your shoes).
2. If you cannot afford a course of treatment for the parvo at your local vets, ask them to refer you to our HUHA nurse run outpatient clinic.
3. Once we receive the urgent referral from your local vet, we will call you straight away to make a time to see you that day, or you can call us on 02744176474.
4. Our clinic is free, but you need to commit to coming to our Haywards Hill site every day for 2 - 5 days depending on your pets progress. You cannot miss a day! You, your dog and your family must stay in your car. We are a dog shelter and cannot risk the parvo spreading to our site.
5. Each day you visit us we will assess your pet and give the required treatment to support them. We cannot make the parvo go away, the virus will need to run its course. But with supportive care your pet will have a chance at survival, though please be aware that some pets don't make it.
6. Once your pet is through the worst and is eating without throwing up, we will send you home with tablets and you will no longer have to drive to us.
7. Even when better, your pet will still be contagious and spreading the virus for three weeks.
Please read
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IMPORTANT PARVO TIPS!!
It's Parvo season again. Please make sure your dog's and puppies are vaccinated!
We did a quick brain dump for you...we hope it's helpful xx
*Parvo can be walked into your home on someone's shoe, on the tyre of a bike or pram, or by a dog that has come in contact with a poo contaminated by the virus.
*Your dog can contract parvo from sniffing anything contaminated by a parvo dog poo.
*It may be already present at your home. Laying dormant from a previous tenants pet. Parvovius can lay dormant in soil or 1-9years!!!
*A dog/pup will show symptoms 5-7days after coming in contact with the virus.
*TIP: 1 part bleach to 30 parts water is a cost effective way to kill parvo in the environment.
*If your dog or pup is lethargic, off colour, is nauseous and off his food or has unexplained diarrhoea or bloody diarrhoea - please seek veterinary help immediately.
*Parvo is a virus and has to run its course, but a dog/pup left unsupported may die depending of the severity of the strain. So supportive care can save his life. In the most basic terms, due to aggressive vomiting and hemorrhagic diarrhoea your dog is at risk of severe dehydration and hypoglycemia leading to hypothermia and death.
*Vets can offer lifesaving pain relief, anti nausea medication, antibiotics, vitamins and electrolytes and fluid therapy.
*TIP: rubbing glucose syrup (called corn syrup in the baking section of the supermarket) into your dogs gums can help with weakness and fading due to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. If you don't have glucose syrup try honey or sugar dissolved in a little water.
*Poweraide (Not Surgar Free) or coconut water can be given given via a syringe every few hours to help combat dehydration. Take care not to aspirate your dog (make sure they swallow as you syringe, so the fluid doesn't go down their airway)
*TIP: Worm your Dog/pup. A pup with parvo who also carries a worm burden is at serious risk. The worm burden can overwhelm a sick pup and compromise chance of recovery.
*When you go to your vet do not get out of your car. They will glove and gown up and come out to you.
*There is a snap test (like the covid one, but re**al) that vets can use to identify a positive for parvo.
*No treatment is not an option. Dying from parvo is painful. Not treating would be cruel.
*Treatment options are Inpatient, outpatient or euthanasia.
*If you choose to be treated as an outpatient for parvo.
Do not leave your dog tied or kenneled outside it could become hypothermic and die through the night.
*The best chance of your pet surviving, is to be inside, warm and hydrated. The vets will give you medications and supportive items to help with this. In most cases you may need to visit the vet daily for injections.
*Your dog will feel too sick to eat. So offering them bland and easily digestible food like boiled chicken, bone broth or a vet prescription diet is best.
*TIP: Whilst it is important to keep your dog snugly and warm. Dogs with parvo have a sensitivity to direct heat. A heat pad that is too hot will burn them. So make sure hotties and heat pads are wrapped in a towel or blankets and are not placed directly against the dogs skin.
*Your job is to establish good quarantine/hygiene protocols in your home.
*Personal hygiene is so important. Wash your clothes and your hands and spray your shoes after each contact with the parvo patient.
*TIP: Spray the bottoms of your shoes with 1/30 bleach every time you leave home so you don't walk parvo through your community.
*Double bag any vomit, poo or soiled items so the virus doesnt leach out during disposal. Wash clothes in Clorox or another effective disinfectant...rural stores sell Virkon.
*Let your dog vomit or p**p on a wipable surfare that can be disinfected. Avoid p**p on your lawn. Pick up any poos immediately and spray the surface...continue this for three weeks after recovery.
*Do not take your dog off the property (aside car trips to the vets. And carry your dog to and from the car). And do not let your dog socialise with other dogs.
*vaccinated dogs can still get parvo. Though it is usually a milder case, it is absolutely possible.
*It will be just a matter of days before your dog dies or starts to slowly improve.
*Recovery from Parvo can take 2-7days depending on the animal, the severity and the strain.
*If you dog starts to eat and keep food down. It is a really promising signđ¤
*If your dog/pup diesđ
It's important to send the body (double bagged, sorry to be insensitive!) to be cremated (your vet can help with this), or if you choose to bury him at home, make sure it is a deep burial.
*If your dog survives. Remember he/she is still shedding the virus and his poo (and possibly the bottom of your shoes) with be contagious for another 3 weeks. So keep going with your quarantine and hygiene until it is safe. The vets can do another snap test to be sure its negative.
If you have anymore questions contact your vet.
Or reach out to us
P:027 4416474
Take care HUHA Community
Together we can save lives ###
