11/26/2023
DOG OWNERS-WARNING!
Severe respiratory infecti9on spreading across the US. Try to avoid other dogs, parks and boarding facilities. It IS air borne.
Dog respiratory illnesses can spread through various means, including:
Direct contact between dogs
Inhalation of cough or sneeze droplets
Licking objects contaminated with the bacteria/viruses
Contaminated surfaces
Water droplets created by coughing or sneezing
Nose-to-nose contact between dogs
Exposure from water droplets created by coughing or sneezing
Contaminated objects such as bowls and toys
According to a recent news article, a mysterious respiratory illness is spreading among dogs in several regions of the United States 1. The symptoms include coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, and lethargy. The disease is described as an โatypical canine infectious respiratory diseaseโ and is generally resistant to standard treatments 2. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown, and there is no specific diagnosis for it 3. However, it is recommended that dog owners ensure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccines, including those for canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza 2.
While there is no test for this new illness, it is believed to be highly contagious and can spread via various viral and bacterial pathogens that enter the oral and nasal cavities. Infectious dogs transmit the pathogens when they cough, sneeze, or have nose-to-nose contact with other dogs. This is why rapid spread occurs in daycare, boarding kennels, and shelters 4.
It is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses among dogs. This includes washing your hands frequently, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that dogs come into contact with, and avoiding contact with sick dogs 5