If you are worried about protecting your dog from canine respiratory illness, you should learn as much as you can about the illness and its symptoms. The illness has been diagnosed in dogs in at least 16 states in the US so far. It’s possible that more dogs have been infected and just have not been diagnosed. Keep reading to learn more about what this illness is, where it has been detected, how to recognize it, and how it is treated.
What is Canine Respiratory Illness?
Canine respiratory illness is a respiratory illness that is affecting dogs across the US. While veterinarians and other experts aren’t totally sure how the illness is contracted or what causes it, they do think it is part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). This is a group of diseases that are caused by highly contagious bacterial and viral pathogens.
How to Tell if Your Dog is Sick
Recognizing symptoms of illness and respiratory distress can ensure your dog gets the help he needs before the illness progresses. Make an appointment with your veterinarian or take your dog to a veterinary hospital if he has any of these symptoms:
- Chronic or worsening cough.
- Sneezing.
- Red or watery eyes.
- Discharge from the nose or eyes.
- Lethargy and fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Loss of interest in activities.
- Wheezing or trouble breathing.
- Blue or purple gums.
How to Protect Your Dog
You can protect your dog by making sure he is vaccinated for respiratory illnesses. While there is no vaccine for canine respiratory illness, vaccination for other respiratory illnesses can offer some protection. You can also reduce your dog’s risk of getting infected by following these guidelines:
- Don’t take your dog to the groomer, doggy daycare, the dog park, a boarding kennel, or homes with other dogs present.
- Make sure your dog doesn’t touch noses with or sniff unknown dogs.
- Prevent your dog from using communal dog water or food bowls or toys.
- Don’t take your dog on a plane, bus, train, or other crowded area where other dogs will be in close quarters.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you see any symptoms of canine respiratory illness in your dog.