Viruses That Can Make Dogs Sick
There are many animals who are vulnerable to COVID-19, such as tigers. However, if you own a dog, you might wonder if he or she is also vulnerable to COVID-19. The good news is that it doesn't seem like dogs and cats are able to transmit COVID-19, but there are other viruses that your dog might be vulnerable to.
The Norovirus
One type of virus your dog might receive is the stomach virus, also known as the norovirus. This is a virus that can be passed between dogs and humans, though it is more likely for a dog to catch the virus from another dog. If your dog seems to have the stomach flu, you should make sure that he or she has plenty of water to replace water that was lost due to vomiting. Also, feed your dog a bland diet.
The Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is another type of virus that a dog might get. This is a very contagious illness that only affects dogs. Dogs who are suffering from it will often experience diarrhea, vomiting, a loss of appetite, and weight loss. In more extreme cases, it may lead to heart problems and even death. There is a vaccine that can protect your dog from the parvovirus, but it also requires a series of booster shots. The virus can also mutate, which leads to strains that the vaccine doesn't fight.
Mumps
While it is rare, your dog can contract mumps from you. They will usually suffer from fever, a lack of appetite, and the swelling of the salivary glands behind the ears. Fortunately, most dogs will recover from mumps after a couple of days. You should focus on keeping your dog comfortable as he or she recovers. However, if you are concerned, there's nothing wrong with contacting a veterinary clinic.
If your dog is showing symptoms that he or she is sick, you should consider contacting a veterinary clinic for advice. The clinic might recommend that your dog be brought in for a checkup. The clinic might also simply provide advice on how you may treat your dog's symptoms.
Regardless of the virus that your dog is suffering from, it's always a good idea to take your dog to a veterinary clinic. Even though many dogs are able to recover from viruses on their own, the veterinary clinic can verify that your dog is infected with a virus and that there is not an underlying health problem.
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