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We’ve all learned a lot about viruses over the past year or so. One thing that is now common knowledge is that there are various types of coronaviruses, and different ones infect different species. The coronavirus that affects dogs, canine coronavirus or CCV, is not the same as the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. This intestinal disease can still cause our dogs problems, though! Read on as your veterinarian Ellicott City, MD tells you more.
How do dogs get CCV?
Canine coronavirus is a highly contagious intestinal disease. It’s usually spread through infected fecal matter—the viral strands can be shed in a dog’s feces for up to six months after contraction. Dogs get CCV when they come into contact with contaminated fecal matter or other material. Talk to your veterinarians Ellicott City, MD to learn more about contraction.
It’s thought that various factors make contraction of CCV more likely in dogs. They include a dog’s overall health, stress level, environment, sanitation, and vaccination status, among others. Ask your vet Ellicott City, MD if your dog might be at a higher risk for contracting CCV based on his circumstances.
What are the symptoms?
Somewhat surprisingly, most cases of canine coronavirus don’t result in any ill effects whatsoever. Most cases are asymptomatic, or symptoms are very mild. Your dog might display mild respiratory difficulty, a low-grade fever, or sporadic vomiting or diarrhea. Of course, you’ll still want to let your veterinary clinic Ellicott City, MD know if you spot these signs.
Puppies and dogs with underdeveloped or weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for CCV being serious. Diarrhea and the dehydration it leads to can quickly affect a puppy. Another problem is that CCV opens up your dog’s immune system to other infections. CCV is frequently diagnosed concurrently with other diseases, such as parvovirus. Ask your pet clinic Ellicott City, MD for more insight into this.
How is CCV treated?
If your dog isn’t symptomatic, treatment won’t be necessary at all. Your dog will recover on their own. Mild symptoms can be treated on a case-by-case basis at your animal hospital Ellicott City, MD.
Puppies will need the highest level of care if they’re diagnosed with CCV. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be given. IV fluid therapy and electrolyte replacement will be needed if dehydration is severe enough. You’ll need to work closely with your vets Ellicott City, MD as your dog recovers.
Can CCV be prevented?
There is a vaccine available to protect against the canine coronavirus. It’s not given to every dog, though. Some veterinarinas only recommend the CCV vaccine for dogs who live in large groups, dogs who will frequently be boarded, or show dogs. Talk to your pet clinic Ellicott City, MD to find out whether or not your dog would be a good candidate for the vaccine.
The best way to prevent a case of CCV is to prevent your dog from coming into contact with other dogs’ fecal matter. And if your dog is diagnosed with CCV, keep them away from other dogs in the house until they’re fully healed. The contagious virus can easily spread between dogs. Your vet Ellicott City, MD can help with this.
Learn more about the canine coronavirus by calling your veterinary clinic Ellicott City, MD.
