"In dogs" is an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by providing more information about it, typically indicating a characteristic or quality related to dogs. For example, in the phrase "dog toys," "in dogs" would describe the type of toys being referenced. However, it does not function as an adverb phrase, which would modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
adjective phrase
In the sentence "Parvo is a common disease in dogs caused by a virus in the air," the adverb phrase is "in the air." It modifies the verb "caused," indicating the location related to the virus. Adverb phrases typically provide information about how, when, where, or why something happens.
Although there is an adjective form from the present partciple (barking, as in barking dog). Unfortunately, only Wiktionary believes there is an adverb form barkingly.
There is no adverb form of the adjective elephantine.
Strange is an adjective. Strangely is an adverb.
As a prepositional phrase, it can be either, but more properly an adverb phrase. He studied the digestive process in dogs. (adjective, meaning of dogs) The disease is often found in dogs. (adverb)
By a virus adjective
If the phrase describes (modifies) a noun or pronoun, it's an adjective phrase. If the phrase describes a verb, adjective, or adverb, it's an adverb phrase.
Adjective
an adjective phrase acts like an adjective and modifies the noun or pronoun in the sentence. an adverb phrase acts like an adverb and modifies the verb, adjective, or adverb in the sentence.
Adverb Phrase
adverb phrase
By a virus adjective
It is an adverb phrase (tells where).
adjective phrase
adverb
adverb phrase