Parainfluenza is a virus that infects dogs worldwide and causes respiratory illness. Our veterinarians in Poway explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment of parainfluenza in dogs in today's post.
What is the parainfluenza virus?
Dogs infected with parainfluenza show respiratory symptoms that resemble those of canine influenza. Despite the similarities, the viruses are different and require different treatments and vaccinations. Both viruses are contagious and common in places with many dogs, such as kennels, shelters, and dog racing tracks.
Parainfluenza virus infection is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis.
What are the symptoms of parainfluenza in dogs?
The symptoms of canine parainfluenza virus infections are listed below. The severity or intensity of these symptoms may vary depending on the age of the infected dog and the host's immune system:
- Coughing: This can be either a dry cough or moist cough that 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 a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air, particularly among dogs that come into contact with other dogs.
The virus causes respiratory symptoms similar to canine distemper, including a dry cough and inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes, and trachea.
Puppies and older dogs with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of infection, and toy breeds are more susceptible to pneumonia due to the thick secretions from throat irritation. The virus can remain in the air for up to two weeks after recovery.
How is parainfluenza diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will request a detailed history, including your pet's activities, within 2 to 4 weeks of the first symptoms. The parainfluenza virus spreads rapidly in locations such as boarding kennels and grooming salons where many dogs gather.
You must also provide your pet's health and vaccination history, because interaction with other dogs can contribute to the infection regardless of the setting.
The vet will conduct a physical examination and may perform blood tests, cultures, and fluid and tissue sample testing to diagnose the infection.
They may also use imaging techniques, such as X-rays, to check for masses or parasites. The vet will develop and implement a treatment plan based on the results.
How do you treat parainfluenza in dogs?
Your vet is unlikely to recommend hospitalization, because the virus is highly contagious to other canines unless the situation is dire. Instead 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; 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?
At Poway, we offer the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) vaccine for puppies aged 6 to 8 weeks. Additional shots are given at 10-12 weeks, 14-16 weeks, and 12-16 months of age.
We recommend scheduling annual vaccinations and routine exams to safeguard your dog 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.