The GI outbreak of 2022 was associated with a canine enteric coronavirus variant. Using data from participating labs, we again see a seasonality to the diagnosis of CECoV that seems to broadly follow that of the GI seasonality, with the proportion of submitted samples testing positive being highest in the winter.
Most dogs affected with gastroenteritis will appear less active (lethargic) and have a decreased appetite. A low-grade fever is also common. Dehydration can occur quickly if the vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than 24 hours.
The most common dog flu symptoms are coughing, sneezing, anorexia, lethargy, fever, ocular discharge, and nasal discharge. Fortunately, most cases are self-limiting and will resolve on their own within 2-3 weeks.
It is thought the sudden wave of illnesses could be caused by a type of coronavirus known as CEC (Canine Enteric Coronavirus), different to the Covid strain which caused the pandemic among humans. Dogs ill from the virus do not pose the same threat to human health.
With proper treatment, your dog's stomach virus should subside within three to seven days. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, call or visit your veterinarian. To learn more about the symptoms your pet may be experiencing and get advice from our in-house vet, review Gastroenteritis in Dogs.
Now, officials say they are confident that the mysterious illness is actually a common virus: canine parvovirus, a gastrointestinal condition that typically affects puppies before they have gotten their vaccines.
Canine Influenza Symptoms and Treatment
Runny nose. Eye discharge. Weakness or lethargy. Vomiting or retching.
Pets can get serious illness from infection with the virus that causes COVID-19, but this is extremely rare.
If vomiting happens repeatedly or diarrhoea persists for more than two days, consult your vet. Even if your dog is no longer being sick, you should contact your vet if they are not eating or are depressed or lethargic. Puppies are particularly vulnerable so take yours to the vet right away if they are sick.
Treatment for Gastroenteritis in Dogs
The goal of treatment is to stop the vomiting/diarrhea and maintain hydration. Depending on your dog's condition and the underlying cause, your veterinarian may administer anti-vomiting medication, antibiotics, and antacid medications specifically formulated for dogs.
These types of viruses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and lack of appetite. The viruses cause similar symptoms to the human "stomach flu bug." How long do the symptoms last? Oftentimes, the symptoms last about 24 hours in healthy, middle aged dogs.
Ginger is one of the best home remedies for your dog's vomiting and upset stomach because it has anti-spasmodic effects. It is believed to help settle stomach irritation and nausea, helping your dog to feel better. It also works as an antacid that is easy for your dog to digest.
Common Causes of Vomiting
Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms. Viral infections, such as distemper, parvovirus and coronavirus. Diseases, such as kidney disease, cancer and stomach ulcers. Ingesting poisons like rat poison, antifreeze, pesticides or household drugs, like acetaminophen and aspirin.
However, vomiting can also be a sign of more serious illnesses such as allergies, bacterial or viral infections, inflammatory conditions such as pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction from foreign bodies (something eaten that gets stuck in the intestine), organ dysfunction such as liver or kidney failure, or cancer.
When should I take my dog to the vet for vomiting and diarrhea? If their symptoms haven't improved within 12-24 hours you should bring them to the vet. You should bring them sooner if they're displaying other symptoms such as; severe tummy pain, not drinking, lethargy or if there is blood in the vomit or feces.
You should hold back giving water to a sick dog for two hours and food until 6-8 hours after their last episode of vomiting. Once this period is over reintroduce small, bland meals such as white chicken or rice gradually. If everything is ok the next day your dog can gradually return to their normal diet.
Allow them to rest. Don't force your dog to play or walk if they don't seem interested. Their body will need to naturally recover after vomiting, which is generally over a period of 1-2 days.
Recovery time usually is within a few days but sometimes can last a week or more. If left untreated, gastroenteritis can worsen and cause severe dehydration which can be life-threatening.
Rabies. Any mammal is capable of being infected with the virus that causes rabies. Most dog parks and organized dog gatherings require proof of rabies vaccination, but some do not. Rabies is caused by the rabies virus and is 100% fatal in animals once they start to show signs of disease.
Products that are effective at killing parvoviruses include Rescue™ (accelerated hydrogen peroxide), potassium peroxymonosulfate (e.g., Virkon® or Trifectant®), calcium hypochlorite (e.g., Wysiwash®), bleach, and sodium dichloroisocyanurate (e.g., Bruclean®).
Gastroenteritis ranges from mild (lasts one to two days) to severe (lasts for more than two days, diarrhoea and/or vomit may contain blood, and they may become very poorly). If your dog's diarrhoea or vomit contains blood we call the condition haemorrhagic gastroenteritis which is usually more serious.