Rotavirus is a common viral infection that affects the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea and other digestive issues in dogs. While often mild, the condition can be more serious in puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems. 

What is a Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a virus that primarily targets the gastrointestinal system, causing inflammation and disrupting normal digestion. It primarily infects the lining of the intestines, leading to diarrhea and other digestive issues. 

Rotavirus belongs to the Reoviridae family and is known for its distinctive wheel-like shape under a microscope, which is how it got its name.

Dogs and puppies with ages under 12 weeks are usually the most common victims of rotavirus. This is mainly because their immune systems are still developing. While adult dogs can contract the virus, they often experience mild or no symptoms due to their stronger immune defenses. 

Rotavirus is not considered a life-threatening illness in healthy dogs, but it can pose significant risks for vulnerable animals, especially for puppies, older dogs, and dogs with weak immune systems.

What Causes Rotavirus in Dogs?

Rotavirus is highly contagious and spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route. This means dogs become infected when they ingest the virus from contaminated feces, food, water, or surfaces. 

The virus is present in the feces of infected dogs, including those that appear healthy and show no symptoms. This shedding can persist for several days, during which the environment becomes contaminated, and other dogs are exposed. Rotavirus spreads in several ways:

Direct Contact with Feces

Dogs that sniff, lick, or step on infected feces and then groom themselves are at high risk of contracting the virus. This is especially common in outdoor settings like dog parks or yards.

Contaminated Surfaces and Objects

Rotavirus can linger on surfaces such as food bowls, water dishes, bedding, toys, and even on the hands of humans who handle infected dogs or clean up after them. If another dog comes into contact with these contaminated items, the virus will have easy access to the dog.

Crowded Environments

Places with high dog populations, such as shelters, boarding kennels, and crowded dog parks, are hotspots for rotavirus outbreaks. The close quarters and shared resources in these settings make it easy for the virus to spread rapidly.

Contaminated Water

In some cases, the virus can contaminate water sources, particularly outdoors, where runoff from infected feces enters communal water bowls or ponds.

What are the Symptoms of Rotavirus in Dogs?

While many cases are mild, the virus can cause more severe symptoms in puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of rotavirus primarily affect the gastrointestinal system.

Dehydration

Dehydration is the most concerning problem when it comes to rotavirus in dogs. This condition can develop quickly, especially in puppies or dogs experiencing severe diarrhea and vomiting. Here are the signs you’ll notice when your dog is dehydrated:

• Dry gums

Healthy gums should feel moist, but dehydrated dogs will have sticky or dry gums.

• Sunken eyes

This is a clear sign of fluid loss and requires immediate attention.

• Loss of skin elasticity

When gently pinched, the skin of a hydrated dog should snap back into place quickly. In dehydrated dogs, the skin returns more slowly or remains “tented.”

• Excessive panting

Dehydration can cause an increased respiratory rate as the body tries to regulate its temperature.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another prevalent sign of a rotavirus infection in dogs. Your dog’s feces will be noticeably water and soft when it comes to its consistency.  While mild diarrhea might resolve on its own, persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and nutrient loss. 

This symptom is particularly concerning in puppies, as their smaller bodies are more prone to dehydration. Chronic diarrhea lasting a prolonged period may indicate the need for veterinary intervention.

Vomiting

Vomiting often accompanies diarrhea in dogs with rotavirus. When dogs vomit, they will be unable to retain the food and water they have taken in, which will lead to dehydration and malnutrition. The effort of vomiting can also lead to abdominal discomfort or fatigue, making the dog appear more lethargic.

Nutritional Deficiency

Infected dogs may not want to eat and will not respond normally to treats and food. This loss of appetite, combined with diarrhea and vomiting, can quickly result in weight loss and a decline in body condition.

Puppies are particularly vulnerable, as they rely on consistent nutrient intake for growth and energy. Additionally, the virus will absorb the nutrients from the food that passes through the intestines, which will lead to a more serious case of nutritional deficiency.

Lethargy and Fatigue

Dogs with rotavirus may seem tired all the time, wanting to play less and unwilling to do any physical activity. This lethargy is often due to a combination of dehydration, loss of nutrients, and the body’s effort to fight off the infection. 

How to Diagnose Rotavirus in Dogs?

Diagnosing rotavirus in dogs involves a combination of observing clinical symptoms, discussing the dog’s history, and conducting laboratory tests. Because many gastrointestinal conditions share similar symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is crucial to rule out other, more serious infections and ensure proper treatment.

Vet Exam

The diagnostic process typically begins by checking your dog for clues on what is causing problems. During this exam, we’ll assess your dog’s overall health, hydration status, and signs of gastrointestinal distress.

We’ll need your help in assessing your dog’s behavior and condition, as you might notice the symptoms at home. Additionally, your dog’s activity will be considered as well, especially if it has visited daycares and boarding facilities.

Laboratory Testing

If rotavirus is suspected, our vets may recommend specific tests will be done to confirm the presence of the virus.

Fecal Examination

A sample of the dog’s stool is often the first step in diagnosing rotavirus. This sample is analyzed through a microscope to identify the presence of the virus. In the case of rotavirus, specialized tests are required to detect the virus itself.

ELISA Test

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a common test used to detect rotavirus in fecal samples. It works by identifying antibodies specific to the virus, providing a quick and reliable diagnosis.

PCR Testing

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are more sensitive and can detect even small amounts of rotavirus RNA in a sample. This test is particularly useful for confirming the diagnosis in cases where symptoms are mild.

How to Treat Rotavirus in Dogs?

While rotavirus infections in dogs are usually mild, treatment will focus on supportive care. This helps your dog manage the symptoms it experiences. Here are the methods involved in the treatment process.

Medications for Symptom Management

While there is no antiviral treatment specifically for rotavirus, certain medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or secondary complications:

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

In cases of severe diarrhea, our vets may prescribe medications to reduce fluid loss and improve stool consistency. These should only be used under veterinary supervision and prescription as these drugs might be too strong for some dogs.

Anti-Nausea and Anti-Vomiting Medications

To control vomiting and prevent further dehydration, we may administer antiemetic drugs to your dog. These medications help relieve dogs of the pain and discomfort of nausea and vomiting. Additionally, it also prevents them from losing the food and water in their body.

Antibiotics for Secondary Infections

Rotavirus itself does not respond to antibiotics, but secondary bacterial infections occur due to the inflammation of the  gastrointestinal lining. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as metronidazole or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, can be options to help treat these conditions.

Supportive Care

Supportive care treatments are important to help your dog recover. 

Hydration Management

Dehydration is a primary concern with rotavirus infections, especially in dogs experiencing persistent diarrhea and vomiting. It’s important to always give your dog chances to drink water to replenish its fluids.

For mildly dehydrated dogs, oral rehydration solutions designed for pets may be recommended. These solutions will help your dog replenish its lost electrolytes and fluids. In more severe cases, we may administer IV fluids to help restore hydration levels.

Nutrition

Maintaining proper nutrition supports your dog’s immune system and aids recovery. Feed a bland, easily digestible diet, such as boiled chicken with rice or specially formulated dog food.

Portion the meals into smaller sizes to reduce strain on the digestive system. Feeding is important in the recovery process as the virus may have absorbed your dog’s nutrients while still in its system.

Rest and Comfort

Provide a quiet and comfortable space for your dog to rest at home. Reducing physical activity helps conserve energy for healing. Keep a close eye on your dog at all times and pay close attention to its energy levels.

How to Prevent Rotavirus in Dogs

Preventing rotavirus in dogs requires a combination of good hygiene, proper care, and managing environments where dogs interact closely. While there is no specific vaccine for canine rotavirus, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Maintain Hygiene

Hygiene is important when it comes to avoiding rotavirus in dogs, particularly in areas with multiple dogs. Always be sure to clean and disinfect food and water bowls, bedding, toys, and other shared items using pet-safe disinfectants. You should also keep your dog groomed in the process.

Avoid Overcrowded Areas

Crowded environments, such as shelters, kennels, or dog parks, create ideal conditions for the virus to spread. If the area is too crowded, try to look for other places for your dog. Additionally, you can also look for boarding facilities that have individual rooms for your dog.

Routine Checkups

Regular visits to the clinic help monitor your dog’s overall health and catch potential issues early. With our help, we can recommend the best products and advice you’ll need to help protect your dog’s health.

Conclusion

While rotavirus is not a super serious disease in dogs, it’s still important to protect our dogs from it. Prevention is the most effective way to protect your dog from rotavirus. Maintaining strict hygiene, isolating sick dogs, and providing a clean, stress-free environment can significantly reduce the risk of infection.