News

A Respiratory Illness in Dogs

If you’re a dog lover, you may have heard different news stories referencing a respiratory disease affecting dogs in different states including Oregon. Urban wanted to weigh in.

WHAT IS KNOWN (at this time)

1. The causative agent is unknown, but is likely viral in nature, and may be a complex of more than one organism.
2. In general, there are several known bacterial and viral organisms that can cause respiratory disease in dogs. Often illness is caused by multiple organisms working together.
3. The number of cases currently reported represents a very small percentage of the dog population, AND the majority of those have not developed serious illness.
4. In general, respiratory disease tends to spread most rapidly in confined communal settings – boarding facilities, day care, and shelters – rather than outdoors.

SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, and lethargy. If your dog shows these symptoms, we recommend seeing your veterinarian.
• Cases are treated according to a dog’s symptoms and severity of symptoms. Most dogs, especially those vaccinated against common respiratory diseases, experience mild illness.

WHAT CAN I DO?

First, we suggest caution rather than worry. Currently there are no reported illnesses in the Puget Sound region. While the situation remains dynamic, here are a few general recommendations:

• Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccines including Bordetella, parainfluenza, and, in some cases, canine influenza.
• In this area, many dogs are not routinely vaccinated for canine influenza, and this has not been linked as a causative agent of this illness; however, vaccinating for canine influenza as a precaution may be a reasonable action step.
• When possible, reduce contact with large numbers of dogs, especially indoor activities.
• Keep symptomatic dogs at home unless seeking veterinary care.
• Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.

DO I BOARD MY DOG?

It’s a busy travel season and likely an increased chance you are needing to board your dog. With the wide range of potential risks and outcomes with respiratory disease, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation. Working with a veterinarian is the best way to ensure you have the appropriate information to make an informed decision for your dog. In general, we recommend taking your dog’s age, health, and vaccination status into account when making these decisions.

Resources to check for latest news are the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association News or if the situation changes in our state, Washington State Veterinary Medical Association. If you want more guidance regarding your specific dog, call or visit one of Urban’s walk-in locations (Capitol Hill and White Center) or make an appointment at our Downtown location.