" Canine corona virus (CCoV) is a highly contagious disease in canines that causes inflammation in a dogs intestinal tract (called enteritis). The disease is spread when a healthy dog's mouth comes in contact with an infected dog's feces. An infected dog can spread the virus for 6 to 9 days, although puppies have been shown to spread the disease for as long as 6 months, even when they no longer show any disease symptoms. The virus affects dogs of every age, with puppies being more susceptible to the infection. Clinical symptoms are seen 18 to 72 hours after being infected, with the most common symptoms being diarrhea , vomiting, feces that has a strong smell, and blood streaks/mucous in the feces. Puppies show additional canine corona virus symptoms such as anorexia (loss of appetite), depression and dehydration. In cases of dehydration, fluid therapy is used. Most dogs recover completely from the virus, with recovery starting on the seventh day of the disease. "

Canine Corona virus is a highly contagious virus caused by dog feces that is ingested (licked, inhaled or eaten) by your dog. There are several ways for a dog to catch the virus including direct contact with another dog. This occurs when dogs are smelling each other, licking the ground, or touching infected feces.

An infected adult dog sheds the virus for several days after they originally catch the disease (even when no longer showing symptoms). Puppies can shed the virus for as long as 6 months after recovery. You tend to see outbreaks of the illness in places where dogs gather such as dog runs, dog shows, pet stores, or at a kennel. The infection is very difficult to control and eliminate, since even when using a disinfectant to clean a kennel, contact between dogs can still spread the disease. In terms of disinfectants, a 3% hypo chlorite solution will kill the virus.

Any age dog can catch the illness, although dogs with a weakened immune system, younger dogs, or dogs that have not been vaccinated are most susceptible.

Symptoms of Canine Corona virus Infection

Symptoms of canine corona virus infection range from no symptoms to the severe. They usually start to appear 2 to 5 days after exposure.

The virus lives in the intestinal lining of your pet. Diarrhea is usually the only symptom. Unlike diarrhea due to swallowing outdoor objects which has mucus, the consistency of the diarrhea from corona virus is usually yellow/orange, watery, and smells terrible. It is possible that the diarrhea contains blood, although this is unusual and is more closely associated with the more sever Parvo virus.

Other symptoms of canine corona virus infection include loss of appetite, depression, nausea, and vomiting.

Treatment of Corona virus
The most common treatment is to replace the fluids your dog has lost due to diarrhoea or the less common vomiting. Since this is a virus antibiotics are not effective, but can be use to prevent other infections while your dog's immune system is stressed. With the loss of fluids your Vet may need to rehydrate your dog with fluids given via intravenous (IV) or an injection under the skin.

Once home, try and give your dog small amounts of water and very bland food. A worsening of symptoms should trigger a trip to the Vet. Try and encourage rest and if you have other dogs in the home, get them tested to see if they are carrying the disease with no symptoms.

Prevention of Corona virus
A vaccination is available which involves two injections with a two-week gap between each. The only way to prevent corona virus is to isolate your dog from sick animals or places where there may be feces such as a dirty kennel. 

If you have more than one dog, be sure to clean eating areas and bowls everyday. The virus is “shed” in your dog’s feces months after symptoms are no longer present. Dogs that have had the disease do develop some limited immunity. Chlorine mixed in the ratio 4 ounces to one gallon of water will kill the virus on infected surfaces. You can also use a chemical disinfectant.
 

Corona virus in puppy survival is dependent on early diagnosis and treatment. The virus can be a very serious problem for puppies between the age of 6 and 16 weeks.

Corona virus puppies survival (CCoV) is dependent on early diagnosis. Don't panic. The disease is rarely fatal.

The disease lives in the small intestine and can spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs and liver. The key is early detection and treatment. There is a more virulent or lethal strain of canine corona virus, however this has been seen in very limited cases.

Corona virus puppies survival depends on early detection. This picture shows the virus as it appears under a microscope.
Source: Centers for Disease Control (PDF)

Symptoms of Corona virus in Puppies

The most common and often only symptom is diarrhea. The number one cause of diarrhea in pups is Parvo virus and number two is Corona virus. Not all diarrhea in pups is the same. Diarrhea from eating trash tends to have mucus, where diarrhea from Corona virus is watery and often has a foul smell. If you see blood it probably is the much more severe Parvo virus. While rare, there are cases of having Corona virus and Parvo virus at the same time.

Duration
The virus unusually starts 2 - 4 days after it is ingested and can lasts between 2 - 7 days. The virus is shed in the stool for 6 - 9 days or more.

Treatment of Corona virus in Puppies

The key to corona virus puppies survival is preventing dehydration (not getting enough fluids or water). If your puppy will not drink at all, the Veterinarian will introduce forced water hydration. This is often done by hydrating through under the skin injections or an IV. Your Vet may introduce antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

Corona virus Vaccine for Puppies
There is mixed scientific evidence regarding the long term effectiveness of corona virus vaccines. If your Vet recommends it, the vaccine is usually part of a multi-disease vaccine and is given at age 12, 14 and 18 weeks. It typically lasts for one year.

Prevention
The best way to prevent corona virus in a puppy is to minimize exposure. This means not allowing your pup outside or near other dogs until it is fully vaccinated. Often dogs from "puppy farms" or kennels without the highest standards suffer from outbreaks. Have a puppy examined by your Veterinarian right away. If you have another dog, minimize contact between the two and wash any shared toys and dishes.

Duration of Corona virus in adult canines

The virus usually lasts from 2 to 10 days.

What to expect at the Vets.

Your Vet has to determine if your dog has Corona virus and the symptoms of canine corona virus infection or the similar and more severe Parvo virus, or a digestive problem. Since Parvo virus is more problematic than Corona virus, they will often test for Parvo, test the blood, examine the stool, abdomen and often take x-rays. If your pet has severe symptoms, the dog may need to stay at an Animal Hospital for a 24-hour period. Fluids will be provided if a dog is dehydrated. As part of your visit, your vet will discuss corona virus treatment and prevention.

Prevention of Corona virus in Dogs
Beyond avoiding exposure to an infected dog, there is a vaccine available for this virus. However, the 2003 American Animal Hospital Association Vaccine Guidelines Task Force does not recommend the use of currently available CCoV vaccines. The vaccine doesn't provide complete protection against the disease.

References:

Canine Coronavirus Infection
A. Pratelli
Dept of Animal Health and Well-being, Univeristy of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.