Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is an extremely contagious contagious ribonucleic acid virus that causes respiratory illness in dogs worldwide. Here, our West Chester vets explain the symptoms and causes of parainfluenza in dogs and how to treat it.
What is the parainfluenza virus?
While the respiratory symptoms brought on by parainfluenza are similar to those of canine influenza, but the two viruses are very different and need different treatments and vaccinations. Both are highly contagious and can be found in areas dense with dog populations, like shelters, kennels, and race tracks.
Parainfluenza is a viral lung infection that can cause infectious tracheobronchitis, also referred to as 'kennel cough'.
What are the symptoms of parainfluenza in dogs?
The severity or intensity of symptoms your dog may experience with canine parainfluenza virus can vary depending on your dog's age and the health of their immune system. These symptoms include:
- Coughing – Either a dry cough or moist and productive (may include blood)
- Discharge from the nose (mucus, pus, or even blood)
- Low-grade fever
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased energy
The virus itself 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 transmitted through the air that dogs breathe. As such, this viral lung infection is a highly contagious disease, especially among dogs who live or spend time with other dogs.
The parainfluenza virus is related to canine distemper and causes similar respiratory symptoms, including a dry, hacking cough and inflammation of the bronchial tubes, larynx, and trachea. Puppies and older adult canines with weakened immune systems are at increased risk. Toy breeds are more prone to pneumonia due to the thick secretions caused by throat irritation.
Even after a dog has healed from the infection, the virus can remain in the air for up to two weeks, making it easy to transmit to other dogs.
How is parainfluenza diagnosed?
You'll need to provide your dog's health history, including vaccinations and any medications they are currently taking, to your vet.
Since the parainfluenza virus is easy transmitted in grooming salons, boarding kennels, and other areas where dogs congregate, it's imperative to provide information about your pet's activities and locations they've visited in the two to four weeks prior to when symptoms first started to appear. Any contact with other canines, regardless of the environment, may be part of the infectious process, so provide as much information as possible.
The veterinarian will perform a physical examination, as well as some diagnostics like blood tests, cultures, and testing of fluid and tissue samples. They may also need to use imaging techniques, such as radiography (X-ray), to determine whether there are any masses or parasitic infections. Once all of the test results have been received and analyzed, your vet will develop and implement a treatment plan.
How do you treat parainfluenza in dogs?
Because the virus is highly contagious to other dogs, your veterinarian is unlikely to recommend hospitalization unless the situation is critical. Instead of hospitalization, your veterinarian may make management recommendations, which 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
- Antibiotics for severe, chronic cases. The appropriate antibiotic medication will most likely be chosen based on the results of the cultures taken and analyzed.
- Bronchodilator pretreatment followed by aerosolization treatments
Is there a vaccine for dog parainfluenza?
Yes, there is. At West Chester Veterinary Medical Center, we give dogs the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccine when they are between six to eight weeks of age. Then we give boosters between 10-12 weeks old, 14-16 weeks old, and 12 months to 16 months old. After that, our vets recommend scheduling your dog's annual vaccinations and routine exam to protect them 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.