From coast to coast, it's sickened thousands and some have even died.
TEXAS, USA — States across the country are seeing multiple cases of a mysterious respiratory illness found in dogs. Some cases have even resulted in death.
Now Central Texans are wondering if their pets are at risk.
THE QUESTION
Is the mysterious dog illness in Texas?
OUR SOURCE
Jessica Fisher, a Certified Pet Health Coach and Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist
THE ANSWER
There are no reported cases in Central Texas, but it's important to take precautions before it's too late.
WHAT WE FOUND
6 News also reached out to several dog clinics.
Fisher and veterinarians confirmed there have been no cases in Central Texas yet. However, that doesn't mean your pet is off the hook.
“We're very likely to see it,” Fisher said. “I just don't think it is spreading as quickly as a lot of people are suggesting.”
Fisher says it's been around for about a year now with confirmed cases in states like New Hampshire, Oregon, California and Washington.
“We originally thought it was a virus,” Fisher said. “It now appears to be a bacteria that we previously did not know of.”
While there are still lots of unknowns, there are things you can look out for.
“Your dog is going to be lethargic, maybe a loss of appetite, and then a cough is going to start, but different from a kennel cough, this cough is wet,” Fisher said. “It can lead into pneumonia, which leads into stays at the ICU, vet, the ER vet. That can be very, very expensive, and sadly a few dogs have lost their lives.”
Fisher recommends avoiding large groups of dogs because it can easily be transmitted.
“If we can avoid dog parks,” Fisher added. “If we can avoid boarding your animal.”
Fisher says if you have plans for the holidays and have your dog scheduled to be boarded, consider changing your plans.
If you have no other options, she says communication with your boarding facility is key.
“Make sure they are taking all of the necessary precautions to keep things clean, to keep dogs separated, that they are aware of the signs to look for, so that they can isolate dogs if they do start exhibiting symptoms of lethargy and non appetite, things like that.”
Most importantly, Fisher says you must take care of your dog's gut health.
“If we can get our dogs on a balanced fresh food diet,” Fisher said. “If we can onboard probiotics now ahead of time, their bodies are going to be in much better shape to be able to handle anything that comes their way.”
If your dog has any symptoms or you have any questions, always contact your vet.
If you have something you would like verified, email verify@kcentv.com.
