INDIANA – A mysterious pneumonia-like respiratory illness has spread across the country, sickening dogs and leaving some dead.
The illness has popped up in 10 states around the country, including Indiana, spread across all regions.
Veterinary laboratories in several states are investigating this unusual respiratory illness in dogs, and encouraging people to take basic precautions to keep their pets healthy as veterinarians try to pin down what’s making the animals sick.
The illness that appears to be viral in nature has caused lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotics. Symptoms of respiratory illness in dogs include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and lethargy. Some cases of pneumonia progress quickly, making dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours.
Dog owners who observe any of the above symptoms are advised to take their dog to a vet immediately.
Veterinarians are working with state researchers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory to find out what is causing the illnesses. Labs across the country have been sharing their findings as they try to pinpoint the culprit.
Veterinarians are stressing dog owners should not panic.
Officials said that dogs are most likely to contract the illness by coming into contact with other dogs, with places such as dog parks, kennels, and groomers posing a larger risk.
Owners should make sure that their pets are up to date on vaccines, including those that protect against various respiratory illnesses. They should also decrease contact with other dogs to help stop the spread of the infection.
