Dog Virus Impacts Canines Across the Country
There is a strange new respiratory virus infecting dogs all over the country. According to The New York Times, “Cases have been reported in at least four states: Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Rhode Island,” and experts believe that the sickness may have spread to other locations as well. This disease is noted to be similar to kennel cough but with more serious symptoms and is hitting pups severely.
Veterinarian and chief executive, Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, stated that she has tended to around 35 sick dogs with the same illness since October. Researchers suspect that this puzzling virus is being caused by a new bacterial infection that the dogs’ immune systems are unfamiliar with, making it more difficult for them to fight it.
Some symptoms of the disease include cough, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. According to NBC News, the most severe cases result in pneumonia that is unresponsive to medicine. These symptoms are known to last for a long period of time. The mysterious sickness has sent dogs to the hospital and has even resulted in rapid death.
The pups that Dr. Ganzer has treated have all been surrounded by many other canines in boarding facilities, dog parks, and dog daycare centers. It is clear that this infection is spreading due to contact with already infected dogs, and that it is highly contagious. During the upcoming holiday season, dog owners are advised to be cautious when boarding pets for travel and to avoid exposing them to potentially dangerous environments that could expose them to infection.
Dr. Clay Helner, who works with Pet Paradise, is advising owners to stay up-to-date with their dog’s vaccinations. However, with this virus spreading, the demand for vaccinations is high and it can be harder to book an appointment. Pet owners at home are protecting their beloved doggies by washing their toys, bowls, and paws, limiting contact with unknown dogs, monitoring their behavior, and going to fewer public areas.
Dr. Stephen Kochas, the chief medical officer for the Oregon Humane Society, is comparing the virus to a canine version of COVID-19. He said, “All of us have gone through COVID. I would say if your dog is showing signs of respiratory disease, isolate them in the home, call your vet, get them seen.” Most of the time, dogs can naturally heal on their own without the help of vets or antibiotics. With this illness, owners are strongly recommended to get their dogs checked up to prevent more serious symptoms from developing.
This illness may be mysterious and still under investigation, but it is very real and can be very serious.
By Ella Marks