Your dog is a part of the family. As such, you strive to give them a loving and fulfilling life. However, with the emergence of a mysterious respiratory illness sweeping the nation, it’s time to take a step back from adventure to shield your dog from the recent threat of canine respiratory illness.
Uncovering Canine Respiratory Illness
Canine respiratory illness is a respiratory condition that has no definitive cause or cure. This condition has recently impacted hundreds of dogs in at least 16 states, with some cases resulting in death. This illness mimics other respiratory infections, such as kennel cough or bronchitis. However, unlike other conditions, canine respiratory illness cannot be managed or cured with traditional medications or treatments and can quickly evolve into pneumonia without immediate veterinary intervention.
Signs Of Canine Respiratory Illness
It’s important to note that canine respiratory illness comes on rapidly. Dogs contract this condition when they come in contact with another dog carrying the illness. It is not contagious to humans or other animals. Once a dog is infected, they may begin displaying signs of the common flu, such as sneezing, runny eyes or nose, coughing, or wheezing. Unfortunately, the illness advances quickly, leading to more severe issues in a matter of days or even hours, with symptoms that include fever, lethargy, trouble breathing, dehydration, and in many cases, pneumonia.
Prevention Techniques To Shield Your Pet
Higher-risk canines include senior dogs, medically compromised dogs, and flat-faced breeds. However, canine respiratory illness can affect any dog breed at any age, making it even more stressful to navigate. As such, it’s important to be proactive with preventative measures. Some effective prevention techniques to shield your pet include:
- Understand The Symptoms: Understanding the symptoms allows you to know what to look out for, ensuring you pursue immediate veterinary care the moment you detect an abnormality.
- Ensure Your Pet Is Fully Vaccinated: If your dog is not up-to-date on their vaccinations, it’s important to schedule a trip to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Avoid High-Risk Environments: Areas that are known to be occupied by many other dogs are considered high-risk. As such, be sure to refrain from the dog park, doggy daycare, and boarding facilities.
Canine respiratory disease is a scary reality for pet owners across America. However, with some understanding of the condition and a couple of proactive safety measures, it is possible to keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy. For more information or to schedule your dog’s vaccinations, contact your trusted veterinarian today.
