Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is an extremely contagious virus that causes respiratory illness in dogs. Today, our Franklin vets explain which symptoms pet parents should look for, along with the causes of parainfluenza in dogs and how it is treated.
What is parainfluenza in dogs?
The highly contagious canine parainfluenza virus is a viral lung infection that can cause infectious tracheobronchitis, also referred to as 'kennel cough'.
Canine parainfluenza triggers respiratory symptoms similar to those seen in dogs with canine influenza, but these viruses are very different; therefore, different treatments and vaccinations are required to prevent and address them. Both are highly contagious and are often found in areas with dense dog p populations like animal shelters, dog boarding facilities, and off-leash parks.
Symptoms of Parainfluenza in Dogs
While the severity or intensity of signs and symptoms may vary, dogs suffering from parainfluenza typically experience the following:
- Low-grade fever
- Coughing (either a dry cough or moist and productive, and may include blood)
- Lethargy or sleeping more than usual
- Discharge from the nose (this can be pus, mucus, or even blood)
- Refusal to eat or decreased appetite
The parainfluenza virus itself can be a component of other canine respiratory diseases, most notably Bordetella, kennel cough, and canine adenovirus-2.
Causes of Parainfluenza in Dogs
Viral parainfluenza is transmitted through the air dogs breathe. As such, this is a very contagious disease, especially for dogs who live with or spend time with other dogs.
This virus is related to and shares respiratory symptoms with canine distemper, including a dry, hacking cough and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, trachea, and larynx. Puppies and older adult canines with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. Toy breeds are also more prone to pneumonia due to thick secretions produced by throat irritation.
Even after recovering from the infection, dogs can still contract the virus from the air for up to two weeks.
Diagnosing Parainfluenza in Dogs
You'll need to provide your dog's health history to your vet so they can make an accurate diagnosis. The parainfluenza virus is easily spread in boarding kennels, grooming salons, and other places where a large number of dogs congregate. It is critical to provide information about your pet's whereabouts within 2 to 4 weeks of the first symptoms appearing in your family pet.
A vaccination history will also be required. Any contact with other canines, regardless of the environment in which that contact occurred, could be part of the infective process, so provide as much detail as possible.
The veterinarian will perform a physical examination and diagnostics like blood tests, cultures, and testing of fluid and tissue samples. He may also need to use imaging techniques such as radiography (X-ray) to determine whether there are any masses or parasitic involvement. Once all of the testing results have been received and analyzed, a treatment plan will be developed and implemented.
Treatment for Canine Parainfluenza
Because the virus is highly contagious between dogs, your vet is unlikely to recommend hospitalization unless the situation is dire. In lieu of hospitalization, your veterinarian may make management recommendations, which will most likely include:
- Recommendations for healthy eating, hygiene, and nursing care
- Recommendations for corrective action for any environmental factors suspected of being contributors
- Cough suppressants containing codeine derivatives should be used only for long-term, ineffective cough relief.
- Severe chronic cases may necessitate antibiotics such as cephalosporins, quinolones, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline; the appropriate antibiotic medication will most likely be chosen based on the results of the cultures taken and analyzed.
- Some treatment options may include bronchodilator pretreatment followed by aerosolization treatments.
Parainfluenza Vaccine for Dogs
At Advanced Veterinary Care, we highly recommend that all dogs receive the DHPP shot (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) between 6 to 8 weeks of age. Then booster shots between 10-12 weeks old, 14-16 weeks old, and 12 months to 16 months old. As your dog matures into adulthood, annual vaccinations and routine wellness exams should be scheduled to protect your pup from parainfluenza and a host of other diseases.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.