The best way to ensure that dogs don't get infected with viruses is to commit to keeping all vaccinations up to date. In addition, the animal's diet must be made up of quality feed and in sufficient quantity for its size, which ensures that all essential nutrients are sent to the dog's body and the immune system always remains resistant against viruses. .
However, it is worth mentioning that some dogs even if vaccinated, well fed and sanitized constantly develop this type of disease. This is due to the fragility of some breeds and direct contact with many dogs on a daily basis, facts that increase the risk of contamination.
6 symptoms of viral infection in dogs
Check out the main symptoms of viral infection in dogs:
Cough
A cough accompanied or not by fever can be a sign of Parainfluenza, a disease that does not usually harm health, but which in some cases can cause contamination by other viruses and aggravate the condition, causing fever and lack of appetite in the animal
vomit
When vomiting occurs only once in a period of up to two days, it may just be a result of poor digestion. However, when it is frequent and repeated more than once a day, it is a sign that the dog may have some type of virus, especially Parvovirus or Coronavirus.
Diarrhea
First, it is necessary to analyze whether the feces are just of a different consistency (softer) or if it really is diarrhea, for this, consider the number of times it happens per day and notice if the animal cannot contain it (defecates in unusual locations). Diarrhea is always a sign that the dog's health is not good, especially if it lasts longer than two days or if there is blood present.
secretions
Nasal discharge can occur when the dog has a cold, but it can also be a sign of Distemper, especially if eye discharge, listlessness and bleeding also occur. Distemper is one of the most serious viruses for dogs, in an advanced stage it causes damage to the neurological system and can lead the dog to death.
Lack of appetite
If the lack of appetite happens after sudden changes such as changing feed, residence, death of the owner, among others, it can be associated with sadness. When it is caused by the presence of a virus in the body, it is usually accompanied by one of the other symptoms already mentioned in the text.
Aggressiveness
Yes, aggressiveness can also be a symptom of the virus. By affecting the neurological system, diseases such as Distemper can even cause the dog to have seizures, stress peaks and exhibit unusual behavior, becoming aggressive even with the owner himself.
The manifestation of any of the symptoms of viral infection in dogs should be considered an alert, if it persists for more than two days the dog should be taken to the veterinarian immediately. The diagnosis of viruses is made from the evaluation of symptoms and laboratory tests, if the diseases are found at the beginning, the animal is treated at home with medication and vitamins, otherwise, it must remain hospitalized for a few days so that the chances of cure are bigger.