Virus and flu season for your family is annoying, with sick hands and tissues everywhere. Your dog can get viruses through many of the same avenues you do, though in your dog’s case it is through bodily fluid or sputum from other dogs. One big virus you might be concerned about is parvovirus in dogs, since the disease is highly contagious and attacks cells all over the body.
What Is Parvovirus?
Parvovirus is a very contagious virus that can make your dog really sick. The best thing you can do for your dog is to vaccinate her against parvo. If for some reason your dog hasn’t been vaccinated against this disease, you should know what to watch out for. According to the ASPCA, a dog with parvo will vomit, appear lethargic, and have loose gray stools. If you see these symptoms in your dog, see a vet immediately.
“Without treatment, it’s fatal,” says Dr. Chris Bern, veterinarian and host of A Vet’s Guide to Life. Treatment involves supporting your dog’s system with IV fluids and anti-nausea drugs. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine used to prevent parvovirus in dogs. Since the virus can live for up to six months outside of a host, it’s important to keep your unvaccinated dog, especially if she’s a puppy, away from dog parks.
For prevention of the spread of parvo and other dog viruses, Dr. Jennifer Koehl, a practicing veterinarian and blogger for VMDiva, encourages you — and your dog walker — to use common sense. “Protect other dogs by not taking your sick or unvaccinated dog to places where they congregate, like dog parks and pet stores.”
Here are five other dog viruses you should know about and other ways to prevent them:
- Rabies
Long-feared and the subject of the heartbreaking scene in “Old Yeller,” rabies is still a fatal viral infection. It spreads when a dog receives a bite from an infected animal. Look for irritability or restlessness in your otherwise lovable dog. Your pet may gnaw or fixate on the bite mark. “Thankfully, we have an effective vaccine against rabies,” notes Dr. Bern. Many states require owners vaccinate dogs against it. Some vets use a three-year shot, but it could require a yearly booster, so consult a vet. It’s best to avoid wild animals carrying the virus. - Bordetella
Known as kennel cough, Bordetella is often contracted by dogs stressed out while kept in close contact, such as in a kennel or shelter. The symptoms include a dry, hacking cough and shortness of breath. If left untreated, your dog could develop pneumonia. However, there are anti-inflammatories and antibiotics for support. A vaccine is available, so discuss the best options with your veterinarian if your poor dog develops this persistent cough. - Influenza
It’s important to realize that, like human flu, strains of dog influenza also evolve. Therefore, even if your dog received a vaccine, it may not protect from everything. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever, clear discharge and lethargy. Treatment is often time and some TLC, but it could take 30 days to beat it. Have your veterinarian determine exactly the issue before assuming it’s the flu. Some dogs require antibiotics for secondary infections. - Distemper
Fatal in 80 percent of puppies and almost half of adult dogs, distemper poses another major health risk for pets. “One of the problems is distemper looks like a lot of other infections,” says Dr. Bern. When dogs become ill, they have a cough, fever, watery eye discharge and lethargy, and it appears like the flu or kennel cough. Like parvo, there is no medication for distemper, though according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), specific symptoms can be treated. Fortunately, your vet can administer a vaccine every year. - Herpes
Like its human counterpart, canine herpes virus spreads through saliva, mucus and sexual contact with an infected dog, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. If your dog is infected while pregnant, she can lose an entire litter. Puppies are most susceptible and have symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, mouth or genital cysts and a rash, but they will not have a fever, which is important to note. Puppies can die within 24 hours of getting this virus, so seek assistance immediately. There is no vaccine. It’s therefore vital to have your female dog tested at the vet before she becomes pregnant, then keep her away from other dogs until the pups are at least six months old.
If your dog is on medication, let your pet caregivers know when and how much to give.
“Virus exposure is a normal part of life,” says Dr. Koehl. The more you know, the more you and your pet can get back to normal life.
Want more on dog health? Check out Giardia in Dogs and Other Fatal Parasites to Watch Out For.
Shellie Braeuner is an award-winning children’s author. She earned an M.Ed from Vanderbilt in Human Developmental Counseling and has worked as a nanny for more than 25 years.
* This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
