What do we know about the mystery dog illness in 2023?
The verdict is still out on the symptoms, social habits and a cure
Update on Dec. 17, 2023: According to Fox2 Now via Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, the illness has now reached a total of 16 states: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Oregon.
As if new pandemic pet owners weren’t already stressed enough trying to figure out their new schedule of dog boarding, dogsitting and dog walking post-pandemic, now there’s a mysterious fatal dog illness to leave us frazzled too. Newsweek reports the respiratory disease “was first spotted in Willamette Valley, Oregon, at the beginning of August and has since increased in [incidents].”
Still, as of the time of this publication, the numbers are “low.” For dog owners like me, who are members of the Dog Aging Project, one dog is one too many. While the cause is still unknown, here’s what’s known so far:
Some cases have progressed into acute pneumonia or chronic tracheobronchitis, and have had fatal consequences in a matter of days. (Source: Newsweek, Oregon Public Broadcasting)
A late diagnosis can lead to a higher fatality odds, and no dog who died from this dog mystery disease has had a “full necropsy” to determine the cause. (Source: Newsweek, Oregon Public Broadcasting)
Early symptoms may be a noticeable huffing that then results in the dog becoming uncharacteristically lethargic. (Source: Good Morning America)
Doxycycline may be one recommendation as a treatment. But even a 10-day prescription didn’t do the trick for one pet owner. (Source: GMA)
It can initially be mistaken as kennel cough, which includes coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge. (Source: GMA)
Contact your vet if you start noticing concerning signs from your dog. A vet may ask for feces or urine sampling. (Source: Kiro 7)
Most antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for canine respiratory illnesses aren’t effective against this disease. (Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting)
As of the publication date of this post, human illnesses nor COVID-19 are linked to the mysterious dog disease, although it is highly contagious among dogs. (Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting)
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So what can be done in the meantime? Although veterinarians and diagnostic lab specialists are still trying to figure out what exactly is happening, KPTV (Fox 12) has a few general suggestions for pet owners during the upcoming Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday travel and beyond: 1) avoid dog parks; 2) avoid boarding facilities; 3) make sure your dog is fully vaccinated; 4) continue to check credible journalistic outlets for updates. (As happy as I am that you’re reading BGIDW, I am clearly not an expert. Fact-checker? Definitely. Journalist? For a few clients. Dog vet or scientist? Absolutely not!) Follow those who specialize (and are qualified) in these areas.
With that said and as hard as it may be to do, try not to worry yourself so silly that you don’t enjoy your pet’s holiday loving next week. Hug ‘em. Let ‘em lay on you. Still let them get their exercise via walks and playtime. But seriously consider bringing them with you if you’re traveling and have the option. (Some airlines have gone back to allowing emotional support animals, along with service animals.)
Enjoy yourself. Just pay extra special attention to changes in your dog’s behavior. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pups!
Shamontiel is a dog lover to her core: 557 completed walks with 98 dogs, eight dog-housesittings and six dog boardings at the time of this publication.
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