What kind of dog virus is going around?

Canine Influenza

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The dog flu is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects dogs and cats alike. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes or barking. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, canine influenza can spread on surfaces and objects like food bowls, collars and leashes as well as people who have handled an infected dog. It has been known to remain viable for 48 hours on hard surfaces, 24 hours on clothing and 12 hours on hands. Canine influenza is typically accompanied by fever, sneezing, coughing, loss of appetite and vomiting; however some dogs may become infected without showing any symptoms at all.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious, gastrointestinal illness that affects dogs of all breeds and ages. Despite the development of effective vaccines three decades ago, outbreaks of parvo still occur occasionally. CPV infection can cause intense gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea that are usually foul-smelling and bloody. If not addressed promptly, CPV infection can lead to dehydration, weakness, and ultimately death. Treatment of a parvovirus infection is difficult and requires aggressive support to maintain fluid balance, promote normal bowel function, manage nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. With early intervention most dogs will be cured of their infection.

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC)

Commonly referred to as "kennel cough," this canine respiratory disease is highly contagious and spreadable through contact with infected dogs or by licking objects that have been contaminated by their secretions (cough and/or sneeze droplets). CIRDC is often mild, but it can progress into secondary lung infections that could result in pneumonia or even lead to death in some cases.

Canine Coronavirus

Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) is a single-stranded positive-sense ribonucleic acid virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae. It shares close affinities with feline coronavirus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus of swine, and porcine respiratory coronavirus. CCoV is highly contagious through faecal-oral transmission and gastrointestinal shedding. Clinical disease is typically observed in very young puppies, though can occur at any age. Dogs with CCoV usually experience mild diarrhea that resolves on its own within days. If your pup becomes infected with CCoV, however, you should seek veterinary assistance immediately.