An outbreak of an unidentified canine respiratory disease in the United States — found in 14 states — has many dog owners worried. The causes continue to be investigated, but the most common symptoms are coughing, sneezing and red, watery eyes, which can lead to more serious cases, such as hospitalization or even death.
According to a report by NBC News, the increase in cases is attributed to several factors, including reduced resistance in dogs due to pandemic restrictions, less exposure to viruses and bacteria, and declines in vaccination rates.
According to the report, experts even consider the possibility of a new pathogen — an organism or infectious agent, such as a virus, bacteria, protozoan, prion, viroid or fungus. Meanwhile, owners face financial obstacles in seeking specialized treatment, as common medications, such as antibiotics, are not working in many cases.
How to protect dogs from ‘mysterious disease’
Despite the alarming headlines, veterinarians emphasize the importance of caution and information, avoiding panic. The New York Times interviewed some experts, who recommended strategies to protect dogs’ health, including understanding the risk factors specific to each animal.
Younger dogs, who have not completed all their vaccinations, and older dogs, with possible comorbidities, are considered more vulnerable. Short-nosed breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, may also have greater difficulty dealing with respiratory infections.
To the NYT, veterinarians also advised owners not to let their dogs interact with others, as isolation is considered the safest method, especially to avoid “snout-to-snout” contact.
In collective environments, such as daycare centers and dog parks, measures such as checking the vaccination requirements requested to attend the environment and the number of dogs that will be there are recommended. Veterinarians suggest that, in case of doubt, owners should get in touch for assessment and guidance on the risks, observing signs such as coughing, nasal or eye discharge, and acting quickly in cases of lethargy or difficulty breathing.
An outbreak of an unidentified canine respiratory disease in the United States — found in 14 states — has many dog owners worried. The causes continue to be investigated, but the most common symptoms are coughing, sneezing and red, watery eyes, which can lead to more serious cases, such as hospitalization or even death.
According to a report by NBC News, the increase in cases is attributed to several factors, including reduced resistance in dogs due to pandemic restrictions, less exposure to viruses and bacteria, and declines in vaccination rates.
According to the report, experts even consider the possibility of a new pathogen — an organism or infectious agent, such as a virus, bacteria, protozoan, prion, viroid or fungus. Meanwhile, owners face financial obstacles in seeking specialized treatment, as common medications, such as antibiotics, are not working in many cases.
How to protect dogs from ‘mysterious disease’
Despite the alarming headlines, veterinarians emphasize the importance of caution and information, avoiding panic. The New York Times interviewed some experts, who recommended strategies to protect dogs’ health, including understanding the risk factors specific to each animal.
Younger dogs, who have not completed all their vaccinations, and older dogs, with possible comorbidities, are considered more vulnerable. Short-nosed breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, may also have greater difficulty dealing with respiratory infections.
To the NYT, veterinarians also advised owners not to let their dogs interact with others, as isolation is considered the safest method, especially to avoid “snout-to-snout” contact.
In collective environments, such as daycare centers and dog parks, measures such as checking the vaccination requirements requested to attend the environment and the number of dogs that will be there are recommended. Veterinarians suggest that, in case of doubt, owners should get in touch for assessment and guidance on the risks, observing signs such as coughing, nasal or eye discharge, and acting quickly in cases of lethargy or difficulty breathing.
