11/28/2023
Important‼️ Many of our clients are becoming concerned regarding a new, alleged canine "mystery illness". Here's what we know so far:
🐶 There is a mysterious respiratory illness that is affecting dogs all across the United States. Some cases, but not all, have led to death.
🐶 The symptoms start as a wet cough that can last for weeks, accompanied by runny eyes and sneezing, which eventually can lead to pneumonia.
🐶 Researchers at the University of New Hampshire’s Veterinary Diagnosis Laboratory believe it is a bacterial infection caused by a "funky, unknown pathogen" or germ.
🐶 Whatever is causing this illness is new to veterinarians. There is currently no definitive diagnosis, vaccine, or specific medication for treatment.
🐶 Because there is no test yet for the illness and because many of the symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections, such as canine influenza and Bordetella (kennel cough), it’s unknown exactly how many dogs have been affected.
🐶 Due to the high amount of travelers to and from Alaska with their pets, we are anticipating this to affect our state soon.
We know this sounds scary. Here's what we recommend for pet owners to keep their canines safe:
🐾 Make sure your pets are fully vaccinated.
🐾 Avoid taking your dog to public pet places, such as the dog park, doggy daycare, boarding and grooming facilities, and pet-friendly stores, such as Petco and Home Depot.
🐾 Avoid sharing and using dog water bowls with dogs not usually in your home, such as community dog water bowls on trails or in parks.
🐾 Reconsider traveling with your pet at this time.
🐾 Do not let your dog become nose-to-nose with another dog during outdoor playtime, walks, or through the fence.
🐾 Become established with your local veterinarian and ensure your annual exam is up-to-date. This will help expedite any necessary appointments, health advice, or medication prescriptions when needed short-notice.
If your pet experiences respiratory illness symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, or goopy eyes, it is important not to panic. Call your vet immediately and make an appointment to get your pet checked out. There are plenty of yucky illnesses out there with similar symptoms that can be safely treated or vaccinated against. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Please note that your veterinarian may advise you to call from the parking lot when you arrive, or require that your appointment is treated "curbside" to prevent further contamination to other dogs and the inside of the facility.
Like and share this post to help spread awareness to other pet owners. 🐕
