As many of you may be aware, there is a recent outbreak of respiratory disease in our area. Most cases are relatively mild, and are characterized by a dry, hacking cough. Some dogs can get more sick, however, with secondary pneumonia as possible complication. Dogs with exposure to other dogs run the highest risk of contracting these infections. So, dogs that go to boarding or daycamp facilities, dog parks, grooming facilities, etc. are at higher risk.
We are not sure of the exact cause of this recent trend. Some of the dogs in our area who have become more ill are being tested, but the results have been inconclusive on any single infectious organism being involved in most or all of these cases.
Previous vaccination may help, but there are a plethora of bacteria and viruses which can cause respiratory diseases in dogs that are not covered by vaccination. So, your best course of action as a pet owner is to avoid areas with large or even small groupings of dogs as much as possible over the coming
weeks.
If your dog does contract a cough, the best initial course of action is to rest, just like we would with a cold. Avoid contact with other dogs while the cough is present, and limit activity so that the respiratory system can rest and heal. Most of these cases are self-limiting and do not require a visit to the vet.
We do want to see your dog, however, if the coughing has been going on for a week or more and does not seem to be improving, if you dog begins to lose their appetite, or if they develop any yellow/green snotty discharge from the nose or eyes.
If your pet is coughing, please call us before coming into the office for an appointment, boarding, or daycamp. We are trying to limit the number of coughing dogs being seen at our office to prevent further spread. You may be asked to reschedule an appointment with the doctor or for boarding/daycamp if your dog is currently exhibiting symptoms of a cough. We hope you understand the importance of our role in minimizing this current infectious spread.
