The coronavirus is transmitted when a dog ingests feces from another dog that has the virus. Because the coronavirus is highly contagious, animals that live in kennels or participate in dog shows are at a high risk for contracting it and should be vaccinated. There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, but supportive care such as fluid therapy and antibiotics is sometimes needed, especially for young puppies that develop more serious symptoms. Among adult dogs that get an infection from the coronavirus, the diarrhea will usually resolve on its own, generally within a week or two. When compounded by other diseases, the diarrhea can take longer to resolve.
Puppies can die from severe dehydration and enteritis, which is inflammation of the small intestine.
Typically, adult dogs have less severe or no symptoms. Canine coronavirus is a highly contagious virus often transmitted in kennels and dog shows. The virus grows in the animal's small intestine and may cause gastrointestinal problems. Adult dogs that develop symptoms of an infection usually get diarrhea and related symptoms that pass within a short time period without medical intervention. Puppies, however, can develop more severe clinical signs and can become severely dehydrated, requiring the administration of intravenous or subcutaneous fluids.