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Mystery respiratory illness! in dogs
I’ve been hearing from clients about this respiratory illness that is sweeping the states Ames outbreaks in doggy daycares. Does anyone have any information or knowledge about this, from a trainer or vet or owner-experience?
I’m wondering how to combat spreading it as a dog walker/trainer/pet sitter. Ways I normally keep everyone safe from things like COVID are:
1. Washing hands before and after handling pets (not always possible, but going to up my need to do so by padding schedule to stop at a McD’s or something)
2. I keep wet wipes in my car and use often between visits.
3. Hand sanitizer as often as possible. Also keep with me in my training pouch.
I’m worried about if a dog who’s been in contact comes in contact with my pants or shoes, etc. (maybe I worry too much?)
Please help me with what you know about this myself illness. Thank you!
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5 Replies
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Glad you brought this up. I don’t have any experience, but hope some other members will be able to share.
This article mentions: “Respiratory diseases spread through direct contact or through water droplets from sneezing and coughing.”
This article also has some interesting details to share.
vet.cornell.edu
Canine respiratory disease outbreaks
The Cornell Animal Health Diagnostics Center is available for consultation with veterinarians about suspected cases and can support veterinarians with specimen collection and transfer. Learn more about the tests performed. Latest Information on mystery canine respiratory illness 11.28.23 What is … Continue reading
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Yes! Thanks so much for bringing this up, Paula!
Such a good topic especially as folks make holiday travel plans. This bug is nasty, by the sounds of it, and the scientists aren’t yet sure what the pathogen is. I trust Linda Case for all things science and she recently posted a link to this blog written by more science-smart people which provided some insight. (Plus, “worms & germs” – what a great website domain!)
Basic hygiene like you would follow for your dog during a canine flu outbreak should be sufficient, but AKC and others are advising an abundance of caution, saying dogs with any symptoms should be quarantined for a month following illness.
wormsandgermsblog.com
The Worms and Germs Blog authored by Drs. Scott Weese and Maureen Anderson covers animal health and diseases and is published by the Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph.
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Thanks for posting about this!
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I’m afraid I don’t take respiratory “flus” as seriously as I used to. In the past, I’ve canceled classes and playgroups. Now, I just clean more carefully. The vets in my area express frustration with the press for dramatizing illnesses. If there are cases in our small rural community, I may cancel classes again, but for now, I tell folks it’s up to them whether they come or not.
It’s not surprising that dogs are catching illnesses more easily. My grandchildren have proven that going to daycare and playgroups makes you more likely to catch a cold.
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Hi all! I just listened to a great podcast about this respiratory disease – it showed up first at a Golden Retriever Specialty in Albany, Oregon this past fall – and Dr. Marty Greer is speaking about a few key points: Here’s the Too Long, Didn’t Listen key points:
1. It’s most likely viral, and related to the influenza that we have vaccines for.
2. It’s nasty, causing hemorrhagic pneumonia – some dogs are dying no matter what treatments they are being given. ????
3. If you have a dog who is out and about around other dogs, it makes sense to vaccinate.
“It’s really a shame to lose dogs to a disease that we can vaccinate against.” – Dr. Marty Greer
There are many more nuggets in this podcast and I encourage you to have a listen or at least view the show notes.
????????Who is Dr. Greer? Here’s her bio.
Last year I vaccinated both my girls against Canine Influenza for the first time; I just called to booster Bliss before we travel for the holidays.
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