Canine coronavirus, sometimes called Corona, is a rare viral intestinal infection of dogs which is usually short in duration. The virus itself can cause mild transient diarrhoea in dogs, mainly in pups less than 12 weeks of age, and is certainly harmless to other species – however, most infections in dogs go completely unnoticed.
How is canine coronavirus (CCV) spread?
Infected dogs normally shed the virus in the faeces for one to two weeks, sometimes longer. The incubation period is one to five days.
What are the signs and symptoms of canine coronavirus (CCV)?
Diarrhoea is typically sudden in onset and can be accompanied by decreased appetite, vomiting and in the worst cases dehydration. Secondary complicating factors, in particular virus such as Canine parvovirus and parasites, can prolong the disease and can prove fatal. On its own Coronavirus rarely proves to be fatal.
How do I protect my dog from canine coronavirus (CCV)?
CCV is generally mild and self-limiting with spontaneous recovery occurring in 7-10 days. In the worst cases, dehydration can be a complicating factor and puppies in particular are susceptible.
A combined infection with parvovirus can prove to be fatal therefore as long as your dog is vaccinated against parvovirus vaccination against coronavirus is therefore not essential.
