Canine Respiratory Illness
Dog owners! A new strain of respiratory illness has been brought to our attention! The canine infectious respiratory disease was first reported in Oregon and has been spreading throughout the country including Nevada. The cause of this illness is still unknown because the viral tests used to detect respiratory illnesses in dogs have all been negative. Information will be updated as the investigation continues.
Respiratory diseases are spread through direct contact or through droplets such as from sneezing or coughing. This disease is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among dogs in contact with other dogs. Some precautions that dog owners should take to keep your dogs healthy and safe are:
- Make sure your dogs are up to date on all recommended vaccines. If dogs are up-to date on their vaccines the chances of getting seriously ill are less likely. Please check with your veterinarian to be sure of your pet’s vaccination status.
- If you think your dog may be sick or if you are unsure of the health status of other dogs avoid dog parks, dog grooming facilities, dog day care facilities, playdates with other dogs or boarding facilities.
- If your dog is showing signs of being sick, reach out to your veterinarian.
- Don’t share dog bowls, toys or doggy chews between dogs.
- Sanitize dog areas and potentially contaminated items such as doorknobs, phone, and desk spaces.
- Hand washing is another great preventative measure. Make sure to wash your hands before and after touching a sick pet OR if you are sick, make sure to wash your hands before touching or petting your pet to reduce possible transmission of zoonotic diseases.
Possible symptoms to look for in your dogs:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Labored breathing (dog has a hard time breathing)
- Nose or eye discharge (fluid coming from eyes or nose)
- Lethargy (dog is acting tired or doesn’t have any energy)
- Decreased appetite (dog doesn’t want to eat)
If your dog develops any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately and keep your pet at home and away from other animals.
For more information about this new sickness, please follow these links:
https://www.avma.org/news/oregon-dealing-respiratory-illness-incidents-dogs
https://www.oregonvma.org/news/reports-of-severe-canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-in-oregon
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