It’s this time of year when a cacophonous symphony of sneezes and coughs often echoes throughout your home or apartment.
But experts say owners should keep a close eye on their dog if it’s sniffing. A worrying new respiratory disease is circulating among dogs across the country, with the first cases confirmed in Oregon, Colorado and New Hampshire. Associated Press.
State veterinarian Daniel Christensen said there is no proof that the disease came to Utah, and because experts don’t yet know the cause, no confirmatory tests can be performed.
“We don’t yet know whether it’s a mutation of a typical upper respiratory disease seen in dogs or something entirely new,” Christensen said.
He added that about 15 states are currently reporting cases, and that “transmission is likely to come or has already occurred.”
what’s happening in utah
(Chris Samuels | Salt Lake Tribune) Dogs interact with Abeni Ochoa at Urf Pet Care in Murray on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Christensen said local veterinarians aren’t reporting more cases of respiratory illnesses in dogs, but the new disease does have other respiratory illnesses that are common in dogs, including watery eyes, coughs, runny noses and fatigue. All the same symptoms that cause it are present.
The only difference is that symptoms last 6 to 8 weeks and don’t respond well to antibiotics.
“What I want to stress to people is, don’t worry. Just be careful,” Christensen said, adding that most dogs “It seems like he is recovering on his own.”
With holiday travel and pet-friendly season in full swing, Urf Pet Care owner Susie Ellison said she’s trying to stay informed about this new disease. She calls her dog walking and pet sitting job a “dog bed and breakfast,” and she only takes in about 12 dogs a night.
“We can be really careful and [screen] We will remove anyone who has a cough or other symptoms,” Ellison said. “We ask our customers to keep their dogs at home if they have any symptoms.”
She communicates her concerns to customers via email so they know to check their pets carefully for symptoms. She said she and her staff also always adhere to enhanced cleaning protocols developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We clean the dog bowls every two hours and deep clean the entire place every day,” Ellison said. “I think by continuing our cleaning protocols and making sure we don’t have sick people coming in, people can stay with us with the peace of mind that their dog is safe.”
What you can do
(Chris Samuels | Salt Lake Tribune) Dogs interact at Urf Pet Care in Murray on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Christensen recommended precautions for pet owners concerned about keeping their animals for the holidays, including making sure their dogs are up to date on vaccinations. A recent study found that many pet owners are hesitant to vaccinate their animals.
She also recommended that pet owners ask if their accommodation has a check-in testing process, as well as an isolation process if their animal begins to show symptoms.
Christensen said if your dog has been showing symptoms of illness for a long time, it’s never a bad idea to get it tested.
“Just like with people who have a cold, there are things your veterinarian can give your dog to help alleviate the symptoms, so the dog’s body can work to fight the cold,” Christensen said. It might make you feel more comfortable.”
He added that it’s best to keep your veterinarian informed, even if you don’t go to the hospital. “That way, if the worst happens, they know what they’re dealing with and can get what they need.”
As for whether humans can contract diseases from pets, Lena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, said in a statement this month that the risk of such transmission is generally “extremely low.”
“However, we still don’t know exactly what pathogen is or is causing the current outbreak, so wash your hands thoroughly after handling yourself or other dogs. is wise,” she said.
For more information on emerging diseases, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
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