Norovirus in Dogs: Is It a Possibility

Norovirus, often called the "stomach flu," is a highly contagious virus that causes gastrointestinal illness in humans. Known for its ability to spread rapidly, norovirus is a major cause of vomiting and diarrhea, especially in crowded settings like schools, hospitals, and cruise ships. But can dogs get norovirus too? While norovirus primarily affects humans, many pet owners are concerned about the possibility of their dogs contracting the virus.

In this article, we’ll address whether norovirus is a concern for dogs, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to protect your pet from viral infections in general.

Can Dogs Get Norovirus?

Dogs can be infected with Norovirus. Norovirus is a common virus that primarily infects humans, but can also infect animals such as dogs and cats. Here is information on how dogs can be infected with norovirus:

I. Direct contact transmission

• Contact with the source of infection

Dogs in direct contact with the surface of objects contaminated by norovirus, such as eating utensils, toys, clothing, etc., and then lick their own hair, paws, etc., it is possible to ingest the virus into the body and infection.

• Contact with infected animals

Close contact with other animals infected with norovirus, such as playing together, sharing eating utensils, etc., can also easily lead to virus transmission.

II. Indirect contact transmission

• Eating contaminated food

Dogs may be infected with the virus after consuming food contaminated with norovirus, such as undercooked meat, eggs, dairy products, etc., or consuming water sources contaminated with the virus, such as pond water and rainwater.

• Inhalation of aerosols

Norovirus can be transmitted through aerosols produced by vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Dogs may inhale the virus and become infected after coming into contact with these aerosols containing the virus.

III. Other ways of transmission

• Vertical transmission

Pregnant female dogs infected with norovirus may transmit the virus to the fetus through the placenta, or transmit the virus to the puppy through the birth canal during labor.

• Environmental transmission

Norovirus has a strong ability to survive in the environment and can survive for several days to weeks under suitable conditions. Dogs may also be infected after coming into contact with an environment contaminated by the virus.

Dog Norovirus Symptoms

Symptoms of norovirus infection in dogs include the following:

1. Digestive tract symptoms

Vomiting: is one of the common symptoms of norovirus infection and may occur frequently; vomit may be undigested food or stomach fluids.

Diarrhea: usually watery or loose stools that may be accompanied by abdominal pain and bloating.

Loss of appetite: As a result of the vomiting and diarrhea, the dog may experience a loss of appetite.

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2. Systemic symptoms

Fever: Some dogs may have a low-grade fever, with a temperature usually not exceeding 39.5℃.

Depressed: Dogs may show symptoms such as lack of energy and lethargy.

Also Read: Understanding Lethargy in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Dehydration: Water loss due to vomiting and diarrhea, if not replenished in time, the dog may show signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, sunken eye sockets, and loss of skin elasticity.

3.Other Symptoms

Abdominal pain: Dogs may show signs of abdominal pain, which manifests as abdominal tension or restlessness.

Muscle pain: Some dogs may show signs of muscle pain, which manifests as reluctance to move or slowness of movement.

It is important to note that the symptoms of norovirus infection may vary from dog to dog, and some dogs may show only mild symptoms while others may show severe symptoms. If you suspect that your dog is infected with norovirus, you should seek medical attention.

What to Do When Your Dog is Infected with Norovirus?

Here's how to care for a dog infected with norovirus:

1. Isolation and environmental disinfection

• Isolation

Once the dog is found to be infected with norovirus, it should be isolated from other pets and people immediately to prevent the virus from spreading.

• Environmental disinfection

Use chlorine-containing disinfectant to thoroughly disinfect the dog's living environment, including kennels, eating utensils, toys, etc. to kill the virus.

2. Dietary management

• Hydration

Make sure your dog has plenty of clean water to prevent dehydration. If the dog is reluctant to drink, try feeding with a syringe or dropper.

• Adjusting the diet

After your dog's vomiting and diarrhea symptoms have subsided, gradually resume a normal diet. Start by giving small amounts of easily digestible food, such as rice and chicken, and avoid greasy and irritating foods.

3. Symptom monitoring and care

• Vomiting and diarrhea

Record the number, color and texture of your dog's vomiting and diarrhea so that you can report it to your veterinarian promptly. 

• Body Temperature Monitoring

Regularly measure your dog's body temperature. If an abnormally high temperature is detected, take prompt cooling measures and contact your veterinarian.

• Other symptoms

Observe your dog for other abnormal symptoms such as depression, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, etc. If any, inform your veterinarian promptly.

4.Preventive Measures

• Vaccination

Although there is no vaccine specifically for norovirus, you can improve your dog's immunity through other vaccinations.

Related: Puppy’s First Vaccinations：Puppy Health Guarantee

• Hygiene management

Keep your dog's living environment clean, disinfect it regularly and avoid contact with contaminated food and water.

• Health Monitoring

Take your dog for regular medical checkups to detect and deal with potential health problems in a timely manner.

FAQs

Can humans give norovirus to dogs?

Some studies have shown that dogs can be infected in homes where humans are infected with norovirus (the main agent of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis) and may show symptoms accordingly.

Conclusion

Dogs are capable of contracting norovirus. Dogs infected with norovirus may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and depression, which are similar to the symptoms of norovirus infection in humans. Generally, the symptoms of norovirus infection in dogs are relatively mild and in most cases they can recover on their own within a few days to a week, but in some cases complications such as severe dehydration and electrolyte disorders can occur. Norovirus is mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Dogs may be infected with the virus through contact with contaminated environment, food or water, or through contact with infected humans or other animals. There is currently no vaccine available for dogs against norovirus. The key to prevention is to maintain good hygiene habits, such as cleaning up the dog's feces on a regular basis, keeping the environment clean, and avoiding the dog coming into contact with objects and environments that may be contaminated. In the family, if any member is infected with norovirus, close contact with the dog should be avoided as much as possible to prevent the virus from spreading to the dog.