Dog Owners

Canine respiratory disease outbreaks

– Important In recent months, Veterinarians across the country have reported increased cases of a canine respiratory disease that we know very little about. If you are familiar with “Kennel Cough”, the symptoms of this particular illness are similar, but they last longer and are not as responsive to regular treatment protocols, causing the infected dog’s survival to be left up to chance.

This disease is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS and like many respiratory diseases, it seems to spread through direct contact, water droplets from sneezing and coughing, or via contaminated objects and surfaces. We are strongly recommending that pet parents protect their dogs by avoiding high-risk situations for your dogs such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and doggy daycare facilities if you are unsure about the health status of other dogs in those environments. Don’t share dog bowls, toys, or doggy chews between dogs. Make sure your dog is up to date on their routine vaccinations. Check with your veterinarian if you are unsure when your dog was last routinely vaccinated.

If your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms DO NOT take them outside of home quarantine and please contact your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency facility immediately:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Labored breathing
• Nose or eye discharge
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite

For updates, please visit
Canine respiratory disease outbreaks – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
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Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (Kennel cough) – AVMA