There has been a lot of talk across the globe about coronavirus. And there is a reason for that. It is one of the most deadly diseases that has become viral which is affecting thousands of people around the world. The spreading source is China, and from there, it is now spreading globally. This virus has affect more than 2000 people from all over the world as most of the patients are from China itself. What is Canine Coronavirus?
Not only humans but also animals are also affect by this. The coronavirus in dogs is known as Canine Coronavirus. Some people might think that it is a new virus, but actually, this is not! Human coronavirus is more dangerous than canine coronavirus. But many people are in doubt about the health of their pets.
So, if you’re also curious or worry to know whether your belove dog has this or not, in this blog, we are providing all the information about canine coronaviruses such as symptoms, treatment, and precautions.
So if your dog has start to behave strangely and you’re totally confuse about it, don’t worry! There might be chances that your doggo is sick, so to get confirmation whether he has Coronavirus or not read this content till the end.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses (CoV) is a group of viruses, known for causing illness extending from the common cold to severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).
The Coronavirus is infectious or zoonotic, which means it can be transmit between humans and animals. Initially, the name “coronavirus” was taken from the Latin word “corona,” which generally means wreath or garland.
Canine Coronavirus
The coronavirus in dogs is generally term as “Canine Coronavirus.” Canine coronavirus (Canine enteric coronavirus) was first identify in 1971, and recently there is another type of coronavirus (Group II) which is identify, i.e. canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV). This is found to be quite similar to the human coronaviruses and strain OC43 of bovine.
This virus was first recognize in 2003 from the lung samples of a dog in the United Kingdom, and then it became apparent in Japan and the European mainland. After that, there was a lot of research done, and a study show that CRCoV is present in the dogs of Canada and the United States.
The World Health Organization has report that “At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infect with the new coronavirus.”
What Type of Infection Does CRCoV Cause?
CRCoV is a respiratory infection, which is a small part of “kennel cough” or canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD). canine respiratory pathogens like adenovirus, distemper virus, parainfluenza virus, herpes virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, and Mycoplasma spp, when they get in contact with CRCoV, they became more powerful infection, that can severely damage the health of the dog.
Symptoms of Canine Coronavirus
Here’s is the symptoms of Canine Coronavirus:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
How Does Canine Coronavirus Spread?
There is actually no antiviral therapy for CRCoV. This disease is highly transmissible and highly contagious. It can also be easily transmit through the excretions of infected dogs. These infect dogs shed the virus from 6- 9 days. To reduce the spreading of the virus, sick dogs are isolate from several hours to a few days.
The CDC says that “while this virus seems to have emerge from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person.” They also recommend that people who are traveling to China should avoid animals. They also said, “but there is no reason to think that any animals or pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus.”
What is the Best Way to Detect CRCoV?
Mainly the diagnosis is done by the detection of the feces of a dog and checks whether there is any virus or not. To date, there are no casualties found.
Who are at The Utmost Risk?
Dogs who already have some respiratory infections or who are sick. As their immunity becomes low, there are higher chances of getting a CRCoV.
How to Treat CRCoV?
The treatment of the canine coronavirus is to give medication for diarrhea, but intravenous fluids are also given to the severely affect dogs. You can alternatively give a vaccine (ATCvet code: QI07AD11 (WHO)) to your infected dogs and puppies which are more susceptible to coronavirus.
What Precautions Should A Dog Owner Take to Prevent CRCoV?
Here are some precautions that you should take to keep your pet away from coronavirus:
- As suggest earlier in the write-up, there is actually no vaccine available for CRCoV right now. Still, the dogs should be vaccinated from vaccines such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and distemper virus to keep them away from other respiratory infections. Because CRCoV will become more threatening with these respiratory infections.
- Dogs with these diseases should not be expose to other dogs as they can transfer it.
- Whenever you touch or handle any infectious or sick dog, you should always wash your hands and also change the clothes.
- Avoid taking sick dogs to open grounds and parks.
- If you see your dog has been sick for more than 2 days consult a nearby veterinarian.
- Do regular checkups of your pet and pay attention to their diet and health.
Conclusion
Li Lanjuan, who is an epidemiologist and representative of China’s National Health Commission, says “If pets go out and have contact with an infected person, they have the chance to get infected. By then, pets need to be isolate. In addition to people, we should be careful with other mammals, especially pets.”
So, take care of your pet and pay attention to their health, and whenever you feel something is not right then always consult a veterinarian for further proper information about your pet and then take appropriate treatment.
FAQs
Here are some common questions that you may have after reading about the coronavirus:
1. What is a Canine Coronavirus?
Canine Coronavirus is a highly contagious intestinal disease, which occurs in dogs worldwide. It can be classified into two categories: Canine enteric coronavirus and Canine respiratory coronavirus. It is basically a group of viruses that can affect dogs in a significant way.
2. How to Protect your Dog from Coronavirus?
You can protect your dog by keeping them away from sick or infected dogs and avoid taking them to parks & grounds and do regular checkups of your pet.
3. How do dogs get infected with coronavirus?
The high chances that a dog catching this virus are by coming in contact with other infected or sick dogs. Other than that there is no case that has been record where a pet has canine coronavirus.
4. What should pet owners do if their pet has coronavirus?
There is actually no case found that a dog has this disease recently. But you still have doubts, and your dog doesn’t seem good, it is advise to consult a doctor immediately. You should take precautions like washing hands with soap after contact with a dog.
5. Is there a vaccine for coronavirus?
Currently, there is no vaccine available for the canine coronavirus. But you can give vaccines such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and distemper to prevent them from other respiratory diseases.
6. Can dogs spread coronavirus?
Yes, animals can spread this virus through who comes in touch with humans.
Find out more: