There has been a surge in canine respiratory infections, particularly affecting North America and Canada.
Dog owners are questioning the precautions they should take to protect their dogs.
What is the Mystery Illness Affecting Dogs?
The unidentified mystery illness is affecting sick dogs. With experts unable to pinpoint a specific cause, anxieties have arisen surrounding a potential new pathogen that may infect dogs. Researchers in New Hampshire are also exploring the possibility of a recently identified bacterium
What are the Symptoms of the Infection?
Dogs contracting the infection show symptoms such as fever, coughing, weight loss and lethargy. The infection is labeled the ‘Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex.’
According to ‘The Today Show,’
“The illness itself usually starts out as a cough, which can last for weeks to months and does not respond to typical treatment, such as antibiotics or antivirals. In some dogs, the cough progresses to pneumonia, and in some cases, the pneumonia can turn fatal if the dog ends up struggling to get enough oxygen.”
Maura Hohman
Advice for Dog Owners
Health officials have advised pet owners to monitor their dog’s cough or similar symptoms. Remaining vigilant about potential symptoms and avoiding taking dogs out of groomers, boarding, and day-care if they begin to show signs of infection.
The Risks of Infection
According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, there are three potential outcomes of the infection
- Mild to moderate cough that has persisted for at least 6 to 8 weeks and is not improving with antibiotic usage
- Recurrent pneumonia that is resistant to antibiotics and other treatments
- Severe pneumonia with serious outcomes in less than 48 hours
There have been more than 200 cases of the mysterious illness since August with several dogs passing away.
However, if owners remain vigilant and decrease their dog’s contact time with other dogs, officials have told owners to remain calm.
