An unidentified respiratory illness spreading among canines in more than a dozen states has been causing anxiety and fear among dog owners.
While the symptoms appear similar to those caused by other known canine respiratory illnesses, this new ailment does not respond as effectively to existing drugs and can lead to serious medical issues in some dogs.
But as researchers work to understand the illness, Carmen Rustenbeck, the founder and CEO of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association, cautioned against overreaction.
“I think we’re still in the panic mode from COVID,” she said. “I think we need to sometimes take a deep breath and step back.”
Here’s what you need to know about this ailment.
Is this a completely new illness or a resurgence of something pre-existing?
It’s likely that this new illness is caused by a conglomeration of familiar pathogens that commonly infect canines, said Dr. Deborah Silverstein, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
“I think right now we have no reason to definitively suspect anything mysterious or new. That doesn’t mean it is not possible,” Silverstein said. “But I do think we should try to exclude the known factors first and treat the treatable and prevent the diseases that we know are commonly culprits for this disease prevention.”
Canine infectious respiratory disease complex, also known as “kennel cough,” is a common form of respiratory illness among dogs often caused by a combination of several types of bacteria and viruses.
Silverstein said researchers are focusing on eliminating the usual suspects and deciding if a new medical response is needed.
“So many questions and so few answers, honestly,” Silverstein said.
What are the symptoms?
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists the following symptoms and recommends dog owners consult with their vets if they arise:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Labored breathing
- Nose or eye discharge
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
In mild cases, the illness can lead to inflammation in the trachea and bronchi. More severe cases can lead to pneumonia, according to the AVMA.