There’s a growing concern among dog owners and veterinarians as a new respiratory illness is infecting canines across the country.
You expect to see your fur baby playing, running and barking, but when you start to see them becoming lethargic, it’s cause for concern.
A new respiratory disease called Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease seems like a cold but can be fatal. Symptoms resemble kennel cough and experts say the newly discovered bacterium can quickly progress to pneumonia that is not responsive to antibiotics.
Although vets still don’t know how it’s transmitted, some believe it’s caused through close contact and breathing in the same air as an infected dog. It’s much like COVID is spread from person to person.
It’s not too late to take measures to insure your dog’s health. First, vaccinate your pooch against kennel cough and other respiratory viruses, restrict boarding, day cares, dog parks, and grooming visits, and be sure to call your vet as soon as you see any symptoms.
The mysterious illness began in the West this summer and now has been reported in states from Florida to California.
Again, the most important thing you can do is monitor your dog daily. If you do see any signs, take them to your vet immediately.