11/27/2023
If your pup shows any signs of this mystery illness please stay home/seek vet care. Prevent the spread!
Respiratory Illness Update:
As of today, there have not been any cases in our community that have been brought to our attention, but we feel it’s important to keep you informed of the situation.
Similar to what is being observed in other states, most cases reported to the Board of Animal Health appear to be clinically indistinguishable from canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), or “kennel cough,” and often start with a dry, hacking cough.
Symptoms can include persistent coughing (particularly having a cough that lingers beyond the normal period of 7 to 14 days),sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, difficulty breathing, fever, and fatigue. At this time, a causative agent has not been identified.
Ways that you can help protect your dogs:
Be vigilant in monitoring their dogs for signs of illness after boarding, holiday travel, or other activities where pets may have commingled with others. If a dog develops a cough or lethargy, a veterinary visit should be recommended. (Some cases may also qualify for a telemedicine consult with one of our DVMs)
Make sure all dogs are up-to-date on all of their recommended vaccines including distemper combination (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo), Bordetella, and canine influenza.
Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs when possible. Just like with other respiratory diseases, dogs that are co-mingled may be at greater risk for developing the illness.
When possible, reduce contact with animals.
Keep sick dogs at home whenever possible (unless taking them to the veterinarian for examination or treatment). Social settings carry inherent risks of disease spread.
Please email [email protected] if you have additional questions or concerns. We also ask that you let us know when arriving for an appointment if your dog is having any symptoms that are mentioned above.
The Team at Plymouth Veterinary Clinic
