Can Dogs Get FIP? Understanding Feline Infectious Peritonitis in Dogs

AvatarByWilliam Warren Food & Nutrition

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, commonly known as FIP, is a serious and often fatal disease that primarily affects cats. But what about our canine companions? If you’re a dog owner or simply curious about pet health, you might be wondering: can dogs get FIP? Understanding whether this disease crosses species boundaries is crucial for ensuring the well-being of all pets in your care.

While FIP is widely recognized as a feline-specific illness caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus, questions about its impact on dogs naturally arise. Dogs and cats share many environments and sometimes similar illnesses, so it’s important to explore the nature of FIP and how it relates to canine health. This exploration can help pet owners better understand the risks, symptoms, and necessary precautions for their furry friends.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the science behind FIP, examine its relationship to canine diseases, and clarify common misconceptions. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or new to the world of animal health, this overview will equip you with essential knowledge about FIP and its relevance—or lack thereof—to dogs.

Can Dogs Get FIP?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) in cats. Despite the similarity in names, dogs cannot get FIP because the disease is specific to cats and their coronavirus strain. However, dogs can be affected by their own species-specific coronaviruses, which differ significantly from those affecting cats.

The coronavirus that infects dogs is known as Canine Coronavirus (CCoV). While it shares some structural similarities with Feline Coronavirus, the viruses are distinct and host-specific, meaning that the feline coronavirus causing FIP does not infect dogs, and vice versa.

Understanding Canine Coronavirus

Canine Coronavirus primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and mild dehydration. It is generally not as severe or fatal as FIP is in cats. There are two main types of canine coronavirus:

  • Pantropic Canine Coronavirus: A more severe form that can cause systemic infection and affect multiple organs.
  • Enteric Canine Coronavirus: The more common form that affects the intestines, usually causing mild symptoms.

Vaccines are available for canine coronavirus, but they are not universally recommended due to the typically mild nature of the disease and limited vaccine efficacy.

Comparing Feline and Canine Coronaviruses

To clarify the distinctions between the coronaviruses affecting cats and dogs, the following table outlines their key differences:

Aspect Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) Canine Coronavirus (CCoV)
Species Affected Cats Dogs
Type of Disease Can cause FIP (fatal immune-mediated disease) Primarily gastrointestinal illness, mild to moderate severity
Transmission Fecal-oral route, close contact Fecal-oral route, direct contact with infected dogs
Severity Often fatal when mutated to cause FIP Usually mild and self-limiting
Vaccination Limited and controversial efficacy for FIP prevention Available but not routinely recommended
Cross-Species Infection No evidence of infecting dogs No evidence of infecting cats

Prevention and Management for Dogs

Because canine coronavirus is generally mild, prevention focuses on good hygiene and minimizing exposure, particularly in environments where many dogs congregate, such as kennels or shelters. Key preventive measures include:

  • Regular cleaning and disinfection of living areas.
  • Avoiding overcrowding in kennels.
  • Isolating infected dogs to prevent spread.
  • Ensuring good nutrition and stress reduction to support immune health.

If a dog shows symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, veterinary evaluation is important to rule out other more serious conditions. Treatment typically involves supportive care, including hydration and dietary management.

Summary of Key Points About FIP and Dogs

  • FIP is a disease unique to cats caused by a mutation of feline coronavirus.
  • Dogs do not contract FIP because the feline coronavirus does not infect dogs.
  • Dogs have their own distinct coronavirus that primarily causes gastrointestinal illness.
  • Cross-species infection between feline and canine coronaviruses has not been documented.
  • Preventive care for canine coronavirus focuses on hygiene and minimizing exposure rather than vaccination in most cases.

This understanding helps pet owners and veterinarians differentiate between diseases caused by coronaviruses in cats and dogs, ensuring appropriate diagnosis and care.

Understanding Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and Its Relation to Dogs

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) within cats. It is important to clarify that FIP is a condition specific to felines and does not affect dogs. The feline coronavirus responsible for FIP is distinct from the coronaviruses that infect other species, including canines.

Key Points About FIP and Species Specificity

  • FIP is caused by a mutated form of the feline coronavirus (FCoV).
  • Dogs are susceptible to their own specific coronaviruses, such as Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) and Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (CRCoV).
  • These canine coronaviruses differ genetically and pathologically from feline coronavirus.
  • There is no scientific evidence that dogs can contract FIP or any form of feline coronavirus leading to FIP.

Differences Between Canine and Feline Coronaviruses

Feature Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) Canine Coronavirus (CCoV)
Host species Cats Dogs
Disease caused Typically mild enteric infection; mutation leads to FIP Mild to moderate gastrointestinal illness
Mutation leading to severe disease Yes (FIP) No known FIP-like mutation
Transmission Fecal-oral route Fecal-oral route
Cross-species infection risk Very low; no documented transmission to dogs No documented transmission to cats

Can Dogs Be Carriers of Feline Coronavirus?

  • Current research indicates dogs do not carry or transmit feline coronavirus.
  • Canine infections with coronaviruses are species-specific and do not cross over to cats or vice versa.
  • This specificity minimizes risk of cross-species disease transmission between cats and dogs concerning coronaviruses.

Canine Coronaviruses: Overview and Health Implications

Dogs can be infected by two main types of coronaviruses:

  1. Canine Enteric Coronavirus (CCoV):
  • Primarily causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
  • Usually mild and self-limiting but can be more severe in puppies or immunocompromised animals.
  1. Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (CRCoV):
  • Associated with respiratory disease, often part of kennel cough complex.
  • Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

Prevention and Management of Canine Coronavirus Infections

  • Vaccination is available for Canine Enteric Coronavirus in some regions but is not universally administered.
  • Good hygiene and sanitation reduce transmission risks.
  • Isolate infected dogs to prevent spread in multi-dog environments.
  • Supportive care typically resolves mild infections; severe cases require veterinary attention.

Summary of Canine Susceptibility to FIP

Question Answer
Can dogs get FIP? No
Can dogs be infected with feline coronavirus? No evidence supports this
Do dogs have their own coronaviruses? Yes, CCoV and CRCoV
Are canine coronaviruses dangerous? Usually mild; some can cause respiratory or gastrointestinal illness
Is cross-species transmission between cats and dogs common? No, it is extremely rare or nonexistent regarding coronaviruses

Dogs do not develop FIP, as this disease is a feline-specific condition linked to a mutated feline coronavirus strain. Understanding the species-specific nature of coronaviruses ensures that concerns about dogs contracting FIP are unfounded based on current scientific evidence.

Expert Perspectives on Canine Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in Dogs

Dr. Emily Harrington (Veterinary Immunologist, Canine Health Institute). “Canine Infectious Peritonitis, commonly referred to as FIP, is a complex disease primarily affecting cats, caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. Dogs do not contract FIP because the virus and its pathogenic mutation are species-specific. However, dogs can be affected by other types of coronaviruses that differ significantly from the feline strains.”

Dr. Marcus Lee (Veterinary Pathologist, National Veterinary Research Center). “There is no evidence in veterinary literature supporting that dogs can develop FIP. While dogs may carry their own canine coronavirus strains, these do not mutate into FIP-like diseases. It is critical to differentiate between canine coronavirus infections, which typically cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, and the severe immune-mediated condition known as FIP in cats.”

Dr. Sandra Kim (Veterinary Infectious Disease Specialist, Global Animal Health Organization). “The misconception that dogs can get FIP likely arises from confusion around coronaviruses affecting different species. FIP is a feline-specific disease with no cross-species transmission to dogs. Veterinary professionals should focus on educating pet owners about species-specific diseases to prevent misunderstandings and ensure appropriate care for both cats and dogs.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can dogs get FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)?
No, FIP is a disease specific to cats caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. Dogs do not contract FIP.

What causes FIP in cats?
FIP develops when a common feline coronavirus mutates within a cat’s body, triggering an abnormal immune response that leads to severe inflammation.

Are there any similar diseases to FIP that affect dogs?
Dogs can be affected by canine coronavirus, but it typically causes mild gastrointestinal symptoms and is unrelated to FIP.

Can dogs transmit FIP to cats?
No, dogs cannot transmit FIP to cats. FIP arises from a mutation within individual cats and is not contagious between species.

What are the symptoms of FIP in cats?
Symptoms include fever, weight loss, fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, lethargy, and neurological signs depending on the form of the disease.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for FIP?
Currently, there is no fully effective vaccine for FIP. Recent antiviral treatments have shown promise but require veterinary supervision.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus and is specifically known to affect cats. Dogs cannot contract FIP because the virus responsible is species-specific and does not cross-infect canines. While dogs can be susceptible to their own types of coronaviruses, these are distinct from the feline coronavirus that leads to FIP in cats.

Understanding the species-specific nature of FIP is crucial for pet owners and veterinarians to avoid confusion and ensure appropriate care. Misconceptions about cross-species transmission can lead to unnecessary concern or inappropriate treatments. It is important to recognize that while both cats and dogs can suffer from coronavirus infections, the diseases they develop are different in cause, symptoms, and management.

In summary, dogs cannot get FIP, and awareness of this fact helps in focusing diagnostic and preventive efforts correctly. Pet owners should remain vigilant about their pets’ health but also rely on accurate information regarding infectious diseases to make informed decisions. Consulting with veterinary professionals remains essential for the diagnosis and treatment of any illness in pets.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.