Veterinarians are currently reporting that they are seeing double the number of cases than what is typically seen during a canine infectious respiratory disease outbreak. The cases are presenting with prolonged coughing which can last weeks to months with minimal response to treatment. In some cases, the dogs have progressed to contracting pneumonia and require hospitalization.
Some diagnostics have been completed, but there has not been any conclusive testing to indicate what may be causing the increased prevalence of this respiratory disease. This does not necessarily mean this is a new or novel virus as there are many causes for canine respiratory infections.
What is the new canine respiratory illness?
Outbreaks of canine infectious respiratory disease are not uncommon and happen from time-to-time in the dog population. There are a number of different pathogens that can cause respiratory disease in dogs that are primarily transmitted through the air by respiratory droplets when dogs breathe and especially when they cough.
Symptoms of Canine Respiratory Illness
Symptoms can include:
coughing
difficulty breathing
sneezing
nasal and/or eye discharge
lethargy
Protecting Your Pet
Here are a few things you can do to protect your pet:
Ensure dogs are up-to-date on vaccinations, including canine influenza, bordetella and parainfluenza.
Reduce your pet’s exposure by limiting commingling with other dogs outside the home (including dog parks, boarding, grooming, and play groups).
Consult with your veterinarian if your dog becomes ill. Early diagnostics may help in getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If your dog becomes ill or presents symptoms, keep them at home to avoid exposure to other dogs.
If you suspect your dog is ill, please book an appointment with your veterinarian.
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