What is the difference between dog flu and parainfluenza virus?

dog flu virus is not the same as the dog parainfluenza virus. Both are diseases of the airways that include dry or unproductive cough and nose discharge. Both diseases can be confused with tracheobronchitis or cough with kennel cough. However, the influenza virus is a much newer disease than the parainfluenza virus.

It is assumed that the dog flu virus was first discovered in the greyhound on the Florida race track in 2004. It is a similar virus of horse flu and it can even be its mutation.

This virus can be either mild or serious. In a milder form, the dog will have unproductive cough or damp cough, which can take up to a month. The dog can also have released from the nose. High fever and respiratory problems such as pneumonia are probably in the most serious form. While most dogs get a milder version of the disease, the virus can be fatal if pneumonia develops.

as the virusWith dog flu, dog parainfluenza virus can also lead to death or serious complications if pneumonia occurs. Dogs with pneumonia may need therapy with intravenous fluid and may require hospitalization. A veterinarian can diagnose dog influenza virus, but can make chest radiography to help diagnose the dog parainfluenza virus.

Unlike the dog parainfluenza virus, the dog flu virus is so new that no usable vaccine has been developed. The veterinarian should be informed in the first signs of coughing, discharges and lethargy. The incubation period is about two to five days.

Parainfluenza virus is widely associated with tracheobronchitis or cough breeding stations and there is a vaccine that protects from both conditions. Most veterinarians recommend that the puppies vaccinate the acolo for six to nine weeks of age, with strengthening shots everythree or four weeks. Puppies have natural immunity to drinking vaccinated breast milk from birth, but this is worn after a few weeks and must be complemented by vaccination to prevent disease.