In canine parvovirus infection, should you withhold food until vomiting ceases?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if vomiting persists beyond 24 hours
• D. Never feed a dog with parvo

Answer: (B)

In dogs with parvovirus, feeding early is important because the virus damages the intestinal lining and dogs rapidly become dehydrated and catabolic. Withholding all food until vomiting stops can worsen energy deficit and delay gut healing. The best approach is to provide small, frequent, easily digestible foods as soon as it is tolerated, while aggressively managing fluids, electrolytes, and nausea with antiemetics. If vomiting is severe, continue IV fluids and antiemetics and consider short-term tube feeding to supply calories and nutrients, then advance the diet as the vomiting is controlled. Never assume that starvation is beneficial or that feeding should be avoided indefinitely.