You might’ve heard about a mysterious respiratory illness reported in dogs across Nevada and in other states. So, how can you protect your dog and what are the symptoms?
What Is the Illness?
Although medical experts have not been able to figure out the cause of the respiratory illness, the symptoms are similar to canine influenza or kennel cough. Some symptoms to look out for include labored breathing, coughing, sneezing, nose or eye discharge, lethargy or decreased appetite, and pneumonia.
How Can You Protect Your Dog?
An airborne disease, it’s spread from dog to dog — and they’re likely contagious before symptoms appear — so it’s best to stay away from boarding houses, pet daycares, and dog parks. Dogs should also not share toys or bowls with others. You might even begin “rethinking where you play fetch,” in order to avoid dog-heavy areas. If you’re going away for the holidays and normally board your dog, try to find someone to dogsit. Keep up to date on your dog’s vaccines.
What’s the Outlook?
At the moment there’s no definitive test or treatment, and the Nevada Department of Agriculture is asking veterinarians to report dogs that have apparent symptoms. As of Nov. 30, several suspected cases have been noted, but so far there doesn’t seem to be an outbreak here. And if there is, here’s a bit of goodish news: Many of the dogs who catch this illness survive.
