How Is Canine Parainfluenza Spread?

Canine parainfluenza is a strain of virus that causes a respiratory infection in dogs similar to the flu in humans. The virus is airborne and highly contagious, causing illness in 80 percent of dogs exposed, according to PetPlace.com. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected dog, his nasal discharge or through touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Prevent the spread of this potentially serious illness by vaccinating your dog against it.

  1. Identification

    • Canine parainfluenza is a strain of virus specific to dogs and does not affect humans or other types of animals. It is a member of the Paramyxovirus family of viruses and is also known as Influenza Type A or H3N8. This type of virus was discovered in the United States in 2004, according to PetMD. The virus is seen in all parts of the country and is thought to have mutated from a strain of horse virus, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Infection with parainfluenza affects a dog's respiratory system, causing sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, fever, lack of appetite and lethargy. If you notice your dog has any symptoms of parainfluenza, isolate him from the other dogs in your home and keep him indoors for at least one week, recommends PetPlace.com.

    Spread of Parainfluenza

    • Once a dog becomes infected with the canine parainfluenza virus, it takes two to five days for the virus to incubate and for the dog to exhibit symptoms, according to PetPlace.com. Because the virus is airborne, being with other infected dogs in the same room or location, without touching, can spread the disease. Another form of transmission occurs when humans come into contact with an infected dog and spread the virus to a healthy dog by touching her. Common places of transmission include boarding facilities, kennels, groomers, dog parks and puppy obedience classes. If you notice another dog coughing or sneezing, keep your dog away from her and avoid contact with any potentially contaminated objects, such as grooming tools.

    Disease and Treatment

    • Once infected, a dog will usually exhibit symptoms for one week up to one month of time. The disease usually resolves itself with rest and supportive care, including the use of a vaporizer to ease the dog's breathing and cough suppressants. In more serious cases, fevers as high as 106 degrees may develop, as can bacterial infections including pneumonia, fatal in 5 to 8 percent of parainfluenza cases, according to the AVMA. Serious cases of parainfluenza require hospitalization to administer intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Currently there is no cure for this virus, although certain antiviral drugs such as tamiflu and amantidine may be useful if used during the initial stages of infection, according to PetPlace.com.

    Prevention

    • Prevent exposure to the canine parainfluenza virus for your dog by having your veterinarian administer the intranasal vaccine against it. The parainfluenza vaccine was first made available in 2009, according to PetMD, and is usually given as part of a combination vaccine against canine bordetella and adenovirus 2. While the vaccine may not prevent the illness, it reduces its severity and potential damage it can do to the lungs; it also decreases the length of the illness and the potential to spread it to other dogs. If you have come into contact with an infected dog, wash your clothing and hands before coming into contact with another dog. Disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces and objects with a 10 percent bleach solution, recommends PetPlace.com.