What We Know About the Canine Respiratory Disease Outbreak

Pet parents have been alarmed by a recent outbreak of a mysterious canine respiratory illness. To date, this highly contagious respiratory outbreak has been reported in Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada and throughout the Northeast. With holiday travel, it is likely to spread over the coming days. 

Reach out to your veterinarian if you notice acute respiratory symptoms in your dog — coughing, sneezing, yellow or white nasal discharge, loss of appetite or lethargy — that either don’t resolve or worsen after 1-2 days.

How to Protect Your Pet

• If your dog exhibits these symptoms, isolate them from other pets to prevent spread & bring them to your vet — prompt treatment is essential

• As with all respiratory diseases, avoid areas of high contact among dogs — dog parks, grooming facilities, dog daycare & boarding facilities

• Be extra cautious with older dogs, puppies & immunocompromised dogs, who seem to be most vulnerable to these symptoms

• Ensure your pet is up-to-date with all respiratory vaccines (Bordetella, distemper & influenza) to lessen the severity of symptoms

As a reminder, we are available in-clinic & via telehealth for prompt, same-day visits.