The health and well-being of our dogs is of utmost importance. With the recent rise in cases of canine respiratory illness, it’s time to get proactive about protecting our beloved companions. Let’s dive into this mysterious illness and explore the affected regions, symptoms, and various ways we can keep our pets safe and healthy.
Identifying Canine Respiratory Illness
Canine respiratory illness (CRI) is a growing worry for pet owners, with cases spanning across 16 states. This illness can be life-threatening but often emerges as what seems like a cold, with symptoms including coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulties. Pet owners and veterinarians alike have mistaken early-stage CRI for kennel cough. However, in contrast to kennel cough, CRI cannot be alleviated with traditional kennel cough treatment.
The Cause of Canine Respiratory Illness
The cause of this recent canine respiratory illness has not yet been uncovered. However, we do know two key factors about this mysterious illness. CRI is highly contagious, making dog parks, kennels, and play dates potentially hazardous situations. Secondly, researchers have discovered that this illness may derive from a pathogen or organism that triggers disease in a host.
How To Avoid Canine Respiratory Illness
Until veterinarians and researchers develop more knowledge on the cause and effective treatments of Canine Respiratory Illness, it’s imperative for pet owners to take the necessary precautions to protect their four-legged family members. To safeguard your dog from CRI, we recommend the following:
- Do not board your dog in a high-volume kennel.
- Ensure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
- Keep a close eye on your dog to catch CRI symptoms as soon as they appear.
For more information about how you can protect your pet, or to learn about CRI in your area, contact your local veterinarian today.