At Mindfulpaws, your dog’s health is our top priority. Canine hepatitis, caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), is a serious disease that affects the liver and other organs. Fortunately, vaccination can protect your dog from this preventable illness.
What Is Canine Hepatitis?
Canine hepatitis is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by CAV-1, a virus spread through body fluids such as urine, nasal discharge, saliva, and blood. The virus replicates in the tonsils before infecting the liver and kidneys. Dogs of all ages are at risk, but puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most vulnerable.
How Does It Spread?
The virus spreads through:
- Contact with infected bodily fluids (e.g., urine, feces, saliva)
- Contaminated objects like food dishes, runs, cages, or boots
- Inhalation or ingestion of the virus
Dogs recovering from the disease can shed the virus in their urine for up to a year, making prevention through vaccination essential.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of canine hepatitis include:
- Fever, depression, and loss of appetite
- Coughing and a tender abdomen
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Cloudy or bluish eyes (known as “hepatitis blue eye”)
- Bleeding disorders and hematomas in the mouth
- Neurological signs like seizures and increased thirst
In severe cases, symptoms can progress rapidly, leading to sudden death, sometimes within hours of the first signs.
Why Treatment Is Challenging
There is no specific treatment for canine hepatitis. Care focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive therapies, such as:
- Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
- Medications to control symptoms like vomiting
Most dogs recover with proper care, but some may develop chronic kidney or corneal issues.
Prevention: The Best Defense
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent canine hepatitis. Modern vaccines use adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), which protects against both CAV-1 (hepatitis) and canine cough. Vaccines offer excellent, long-lasting protection of up to three years.
Why Vaccinate?
- Unvaccinated dogs of all ages are at risk, with puppies under one year being most vulnerable.
- Vaccination helps prevent outbreaks and ensures community immunity.
- Where vaccination lapses, the disease can re-emerge.
Our Commitment at Mindfulpaws
At Mindfulpaws Doggy Daycare, we require all dogs to be fully vaccinated, including protection against canine hepatitis. This ensures a safe, healthy environment for every dog in our care.
By staying up-to-date on your dog’s vaccinations and practicing good hygiene, you can help protect your furry friend from this preventable disease. If you have any questions about vaccination schedules, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to keep your dog healthy and happy!