Our Natick vets are here to provide information on canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects dogs worldwide. It is important to know the symptoms and causes of parainfluenza in dogs and how to treat it.
What is the parainfluenza virus?
Parainfluenza is a viral infection that causes respiratory symptoms in dogs, similar to canine influenza, but requiring different treatments and vaccinations. Both are highly contagious and can be found in places with a high density of dogs, such as dog race tracks, shelters, and kennels. The parainfluenza virus infection is a highly contagious viral lung infection that can cause infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as "kennel cough."
What are the symptoms of parainfluenza in dogs?
The symptoms of the parainfluenza virus infections are as follows. The severity or intensity of these symptoms may vary depending on the age of the infected dog and their immune system.
- Coughing: This can be either a dry cough or moist and productive (can include blood)
- Low-grade fever
- Discharge from the nose: This can be mucus, pus, or even blood
- Decreased energy
- Decreased appetite
Note that the virus can be a component of other canine respiratory diseases, most notably kennel cough, bordetella, and canine adenovirus-2.
What causes parainfluenza in dogs?
Parainfluenza is spread through the air that dogs breathe and is particularly contagious for dogs that live or spend time with other dogs.
The parainfluenza virus is similar to canine distemper and presents respiratory symptoms, such as a dry, hacking cough and inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes, and trachea.
Puppies and older adult dogs with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. Additionally, toy breeds are more susceptible to pneumonia due to the thick secretions produced by throat irritation.
How is parainfluenza diagnosed?
When you bring your dog to the vet, they will ask for a detailed history. The parainfluenza virus can spread quickly in places like boarding kennels, grooming salons, and other locations where many dogs gather. It's crucial to provide information about your pets' activities within two to four weeks before symptoms appeared.
Your vet will also need information about your pet's health and vaccination history. Any interactions your pet has had with other dogs, even in different environments, could be important in identifying the source of the infection, so please provide as much detail as possible. The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination and may perform diagnostics such as blood tests, cultures, and testing of fluid and tissue samples.
They may also use imaging techniques like X-rays to check for any masses or parasitic involvement. Once all the test results have been received and analyzed, a treatment plan will be developed and implemented.
How do vets treat parainfluenza in dogs?
Your vet is unlikely to recommend hospitalization, because the virus is highly contagious to other dogs, unless the situation is dire. Instead of hospitalization, your veterinarian may make management recommendations, which will most likely include the following:
- Recommendations for healthy eating, hygiene, and nursing care.
- Recommendations for corrective action for any environmental factors suspected of being contributors.
- Cough suppressants for long-term, ineffective cough relief.
- Severe chronic cases may necessitate antibiotics. 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.
Is there a vaccine for dog parainfluenza?
Yes, at Wellesley-Natick Veterinary Hospital, we administer the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccine to dogs between six and eight weeks of age. We then provide boosters when the dogs are 10-12 weeks old, 14-16 weeks old, and 12-16 months old.
It is highly recommended that your dog be scheduled for annual vaccinations and routine exams to protect it from parainfluenza and other diseases. Our vaccine schedule is available here.
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.