11/28/2023
Health PSA:
In the last several months, pet professionals across the country have noticed an increase in dogs being affected with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), also known as Kennel Cough Complex. CIRDC is an infection of the upper and lower airways caused by a virus or bacteria (most commonly Bordetella). As opposed to most cases of CIRDC that resolve within 7-10 days with supportive care (and sometimes with the addition of antibiotics), veterinarians have seen several cases that are only partially responding to initial therapy or not responding at all. Some dogs have had issues with severe coughing, chronic or non-resolving coughing, or even progression to pneumonia.
Recently, media reports have highlighted increased and worsening cases of CIRDC being diagnosed at veterinary hospitals in several US States including California and Oregon. Although most dogs recover well from CIRDC, some dogs in this recent outbreak have gotten sick very quickly and have had to be hospitalized. There have also been reports of some dogs dying from very severe disease. The cause of this outbreak is still not known, but it is suspected that a novel (new) virus may be the cause for many patients.
For the time being, veterinarians make the following recommendations for all of our dogs to reduce risks of CIRDC exposure and sickness:
-Keep Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease vaccine (sometimes called Bordetella or Kennel Cough vaccine) and Canine Influenza Virus vaccine up-to-date for all eligible dogs.
-Please email a copy of up to date Bordetella and Canine Influenza vaccines to [email protected]
-Limit your dog’s time around other dogs, if possible. This may mean:
-Reducing or temporarily suspending time at dog parks, rest stops when traveling, beaches, and other public areas
-Limiting time in boarding facilities and considering in-home pet-sitters, if possible.
-Limit travel out of state with your dogs
Monitor your dog closely for any of the following respiratory signs:
-Coughing
-Productive Coughing (i.e. mucus from the mouth after coughing)
-Sneezing
Nasal or ocular (eye) discharge
-Rapid or labored breathing
-Lethargy or weakness
-Decreased appetite or anorexia (refusing food)
-Fever
If you notice any of the above signs in your dog, please do not send them for daycare or boarding and schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for further assessment. If an appointment cannot be scheduled within 2-3 days with your primary veterinary clinic, or if worsening or more severe signs are noted (such as excessive coughing, rapid or labored breathing, significant lethargy or anorexia), please seek same-day care at an urgent care or emergency hospital facility.
At All-Starr Pet Services, we will be implementing daily cleaning of all surfaces and toys with a veterinary approved anti-viral/anti-bacterial cleaning agent. We will also be conducting daily health checks including but not limited to inspection of the eyes, nose, and mouth and temperature checks. If your dog is found to have any of the above symptoms, they will be immediately dismissed from daycare or boarding and you will need to arrange for them to be picked up promptly. If you are away on vacation when we discover a suspected respiratory illness, your dog will be transferred to boarding at one of our local emergency veterinary clinics. It will be your responsibility to cover any associated costs including but not limited to treatment and boarding.
If your dog is underage (less than 6 months), elderly, or has a compromised immune system, it is not recommended they continue doggy daycare or boarding with us.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Rest assured we are keeping up to date on any news or information regarding this matter and doing everything in our power to help keep your dogs safe and healthy.
🐾Michelle