Canine Coronavirus
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our canine corona vaccination always got a lot of beer jokes. Since COVID-19 however, it started generating a very different and sometimes frustrating conversation. Dr. Sorensen began vaccinating Moab dogs for canine coronavirus after moving here in 1984 due to a lot of dogs in the area being affected by it. Since vaccinating for canine coronavirus, cases in the Moab area have decreased, but it’s certainly still around. The Moab Veterinary Clinic has seen many dogs, mostly unvaccinated puppies, that have tested positive for canine corona and not all of these patients survive this disease.
Canine coronavirus gets its name from the shape of the virus, which is where the similarity with COVID-19 ends. Both viruses, when viewed under a special microscope, have projections similar to a crown coming off of them. However, the canine coronavirus vaccination is not the same as the COVID-19 vaccinations, cannot be used in people, and doesn’t work at all for COVID-19 as it is an entirely different coronavirus.
There are two different types of canine coronavirus, but this article will be focusing on the enteric form which attacks the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract.
Enteric canine coronavirus is highly contagious to other dogs (including wild canids like coyotes) and is spread through oral contact with fecal matter (such as stepping in feces and licking a foot), contaminated objects like toys or bowls, or contact with another dog. The incubation period (time from contact with the disease to showing signs of sickness) is one to four days and most patients are sick anywhere from two to ten days (although some may be sicker for longer). Dogs may carry this disease for up to six months after being infected. The most common sign of canine coronavirus infection is diarrhea. Patients also commonly experience decreased appetite as well as lethargy and sometimes vomiting. The signs are very similar to canine parvovirus, which can be ruled out through a “snap” test. Patients can be affected by both corona and parvovirus at the same time. There is no cure for canine coronavirus and we generally help by supporting patients through it with fluids and sometimes antibiotics to prevent secondary infections while they are sick. If vomiting, anti-nausea medication will be used.
The best prevention for canine coronavirus is vaccination and limiting a puppy’s exposure to other dogs or areas frequented by dogs until fully vaccinated. As of December 2022, a canine corona vaccination is $16. We also offer a “puppy package” for $83 (please be aware prices go up at the beginning of each new year due to inflation and prices may fluctuate throughout the year due to vaccine manufacturers increasing their prices). Puppies get immunity from their mothers and this immunity wanes as a puppy grows older. For optimal protection, puppies should receive a “set” of vaccinations every 3-4 weeks for a total of three “sets”. The last “set” includes a vaccination for rabies which is required by law. Once puppies are fully vaccinated they can safely play with other dogs and visit areas frequented by dogs such as dog parks.
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coronavirus-disease-in-dogs
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_dg_canine_coronavirus_infection
Canine coronavirus gets its name from the shape of the virus, which is where the similarity with COVID-19 ends. Both viruses, when viewed under a special microscope, have projections similar to a crown coming off of them. However, the canine coronavirus vaccination is not the same as the COVID-19 vaccinations, cannot be used in people, and doesn’t work at all for COVID-19 as it is an entirely different coronavirus.
There are two different types of canine coronavirus, but this article will be focusing on the enteric form which attacks the cells that line the gastrointestinal tract.
Enteric canine coronavirus is highly contagious to other dogs (including wild canids like coyotes) and is spread through oral contact with fecal matter (such as stepping in feces and licking a foot), contaminated objects like toys or bowls, or contact with another dog. The incubation period (time from contact with the disease to showing signs of sickness) is one to four days and most patients are sick anywhere from two to ten days (although some may be sicker for longer). Dogs may carry this disease for up to six months after being infected. The most common sign of canine coronavirus infection is diarrhea. Patients also commonly experience decreased appetite as well as lethargy and sometimes vomiting. The signs are very similar to canine parvovirus, which can be ruled out through a “snap” test. Patients can be affected by both corona and parvovirus at the same time. There is no cure for canine coronavirus and we generally help by supporting patients through it with fluids and sometimes antibiotics to prevent secondary infections while they are sick. If vomiting, anti-nausea medication will be used.
The best prevention for canine coronavirus is vaccination and limiting a puppy’s exposure to other dogs or areas frequented by dogs until fully vaccinated. As of December 2022, a canine corona vaccination is $16. We also offer a “puppy package” for $83 (please be aware prices go up at the beginning of each new year due to inflation and prices may fluctuate throughout the year due to vaccine manufacturers increasing their prices). Puppies get immunity from their mothers and this immunity wanes as a puppy grows older. For optimal protection, puppies should receive a “set” of vaccinations every 3-4 weeks for a total of three “sets”. The last “set” includes a vaccination for rabies which is required by law. Once puppies are fully vaccinated they can safely play with other dogs and visit areas frequented by dogs such as dog parks.
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coronavirus-disease-in-dogs
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_dg_canine_coronavirus_infection
