The respiratory virus going around recently.

Recent headlines have highlighted a concerning rise in cases of a new and upcoming respiratory ailment affecting dogs, garnering nationwide attention among pet owners. Over the last 18 months, reports of this unusual syndrome have emerged, prompting worry and concern within the dog-loving community. We want to provide some clarity about this outbreak, providing insights into its symptoms, transmission, prevention, and potential treatments.

Is there a new respiratory illness in dogs that is causing high mortality in dogs?

There has been a noticeable uptick in canine respiratory cases over the past 18 months, particularly in regions such as the Northeast, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, California, and Colorado. It's worth knowing that although social media attention continues the risk of severe illness, causing death in affected dogs remains relatively low.

What are the symptoms of this respiratory illness?

The symptoms closely resemble those of kennel cough or canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), including coughing, sneezing, eye and nose discharge, lethargy, decreased appetite, and fever. One of the first clinical signs tends to be lethargy followed by fever, coughing and decreased appetite.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has it?

If your dog displays respiratory distress symptoms, call our Urgent Care promptly. To minimize spread, isolate your dog and contact us before visiting. In cases of rapid or labored breathing, seek immediate veterinary emergency care. Early diagnosis is pivotal in effective management.

How contagious is the disease?

While the exact mode of transmission remains unclear, we do know that normally respiratory viruses and bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air and on shared surfaces.

Is this contagious to me or my cats?

Fortunately, there is no evidence to suggest human or feline contagion.

How can I safeguard my pet?

Maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, especially against Bordetella, Adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza, and influenza H3N2, is crucial. It's advisable to limit exposure to communal environments until immunity builds, typically two weeks post-vaccination.

Will my dog be ok?

Unlike more common respiratory infections, this syndrome may not uniformly respond to standard therapy. While some cases improve with antibiotics, supportive care, and oxygen, others deteriorate rapidly despite aggressive treatment.

Remaining informed and proactive, including prompt checkup when your dog is having any of the above clinical signs is vital in ensuring fast recovery of your pet. If you are concerned about your dog, give us a call at (858) 379-6550">(858) 379-6550 to speak with a trained Veterinary technician so we can help guide you.