11/21/2023
Please see info below shared by a local vet.
If your dog is experiencing any signs of illness, please let us know & cancel walk, boarding or vacation visits if necessary.
Thank you.
⚠️You may be seeing an upsetting news story regarding a "mystery illness" that is spreading among dogs in Oregon, New Hampshire, and some other states.
➡️First, we want to remind you that news stories are often sensationalized to catch your attention, and do not usually share details such as pre-existing conditions, age, or other crucial information about the dogs that are affected. Most healthy pets should not be overly concerned at this time.
➡️Second, we have not (yet) received reports of this issue in our hospital or region.
😷BUT we can still take common-sense precautions to help prevent the spread of this and other illnesses at this time of year.
1. Be sure to update vaccines to protect against Kennel Cough, Distemper, and other highly communicable illnesses. Call us if you need an appointment.
2. DO NOT send your dog to daycare, boarding, or grooming if he is sneezing, coughing, or has other symptoms. (Yes, this might mean changing your plans!) Not only does this spread your pet's illness to other animals, but he may be susceptible to a more dangerous illness if he is already fighting off a bug!
3. If your dog must be boarded, avoid OTHER communal areas such as groomers and dog parks for about 2 weeks before and after his stay. This will limit exposure and help reduce spread.
4. If your dog is coughing, please let us know in advance and kindly remain in your car until we are ready to bring you directly into an exam room. This will help us keep the hospital sanitary and reduce exposure to other patients.
5. If your dog is coughing, (ESPECIALLY if he is a young puppy or a senior/chronically ill pet) please call sooner rather than later. If we are closed, or if your pet experiences difficulty breathing (pulling breath from his belly, wheezing, unable to catch his breath) go directly to an emergency room and call them from outside the building to let them know you are there.
You can read more about what we know about this illness from the American Veterinary Medical Association's recent post here: https://www.avma.org/news/oregon-dealing-respiratory-illness-incidents-dogs
