Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) as a sole disease agent is typically occurs as a mild, self limiting upper respiratory infection of dogs. Dogs are especially susceptible to CPIV in a crowded environment such as a kennel or animal shelter. CPIV is also one of the infectious agents that can be a component of Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (CITB) also known as kennel cough.

Clinical signs associated with CPIV infection range from none to a mucoid nasal discharge, fever and dry, hacking cough. The pathognomonic clinical sign of kennel cough can be stimulated during a physical exam by palpation of the trachea, resulting in a repeated dry, hacking cough from the patient. Treatment for an uncomplicated infection is supportive care, possibly cough suppressants and antibiotics if the patient has kennel cough or more severe clinical signs.

Remember a dog with these clinical signs is contagious to other dogs for at least 10 days after the infection resolves so please keep your pet away from other dogs, dog parks etc.

CPIV is one component of the multivalent core vaccine of dogs, abbreviated DA2PPV. D=distemper virus, A2=adenovirus 2, P=parvo virus and P=parainfluenza virus. This vaccine should be administered at 2, 3 and 4 months of age to puppies, boostered in 1 year and then as per your veterinarians recommendation.

If you are concerned about your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian or local emergency clinic.