Dog owners across the nation are monitoring the widespread outbreak of a so-called mystery respiratory illness affecting dogs. While experts have not yet identified a clear cause, they feel confident that this illness is not a new virus with superspreading abilities. Rather, this seems to be the result of common bacteria and viruses that have traditionally blossomed and waned over the years. Nevertheless, pet parents are eager to keep their dogs safe. As veterinarians and experts learn more about this illness, here is what you should know. Symptoms In a majority of cases, the illness presents itself like many other viruses our dogs can catch. The predominant symptoms are:
  •       Cough
  •       Lethargy
  •       Fever
  •       Loss of appetite
When not caught soon enough, some of these dogs have also developed pneumonia – which can lead to death. However, death is not likely in the case of this virus, but older dogs and dogs with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk of fatal complications. Early stages of this illness present similarly to kennel cough – which your dog should be vaccinated for. If you are unsure, check your veterinarian records and schedule the vaccine if it is outdated. Treatment It goes without saying that if your dog exhibits any of the above symptoms, get her to a vet immediately. In instances of viruses, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Your vet will be able to do a full exam and testing to rule out other issues and begin treating for a virus. Typical treatment includes a round of antibiotics – which may need to be adjusted based on your dog’s immune response. Time and isolation will be the other two key factors in your dog’s recovery. How to avoid the illness Since so much is unknown about this virus, it’s best to put a lot of practice into avoiding it entirely, if possible. But there’s no need to panic. Experts recommend limiting dog-to-dog interactions unless they are from the same household. As well as not visiting dog parks and not participating in daycare if your dog has shown any signs of illness or interacted with a dog who has. For the extra cautious, refrain from boarding if you can and adjust any walking routes to not include areas often frequented by other dogs. Much like living through the Covid-19 pandemic, this dog illness can be treated and avoided with simple, smart decisions. Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s behavior and alert a vet right away if you suspect something is wrong. Here at Under One Woof we do our best to keep the spread of any communicable disease down. We sanitize regularly with medical grade disinfectant and monitor all of our K-9 guests for signs of any illness and have them picked up right away if needed.