Mystery dog respiratory illness in US: Check symptoms of infection, safety tips for dog owners

A mysterious and highly contagious canine respiratory illness has been reported from several parts of the United States. This illness has been affecting the dogs which is becoming a cause of concern for dog owners. The number of sick dogs has been rising from Oregon to Florida in the United States.

The symptoms shown by dogs are similar to that of kennel cough and fourteen states in the US have so far reported cases. The cause of concern regarding the illness is that unlike the common infectious respiratory disease complex, this is not responding to the usual treatments.

According to Animal health officials, they are still trying to find out the cause of the illness and how they can be treated. In some cases it has been found that the illness was causing pneumonia and even death in canines.


It may be mentioned that since mid-August, more than 200 cases of the mysterious illness have been reported from Oregon alone.

Dog owners have been advised to look out for these symptoms for dog respiratory illness in their pets.

The symptoms include coughing, lethargy, nasal and eye discharge, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, rapid breathing, wheezing or nasal whistling, dehydration, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

According to experts, if pet parents see any of the above symptoms in their dogs, they should immediately contact their vets.

The mysterious respiratory illness has been reported/ confirmed from 14 states and these are : California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

FAQs:

Q1. What is a Kennel cough?
A1. Kennel Cough is a respiratory disease that results from inflammation of the trachea.

Q2. Is mystery dog respiratory illness contagious?
A2. Yes, according to experts, it can lead to affecting other dogs who come in contact with an ill dog.