Categories: PETS

Is the mysterious dog respiratory illness in Texas?


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. 



Source link

Doggone Well Staff

Recent Posts

Dogs ride KC Wheel at Kansas City’s Pupchella pet-friendly event

WELL, DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS TOOK OVER THE KC STEELE KATIE’S KENNEL PARTNERED WITH THE…

2 hours ago

Father sparks debate as he leaves children’s pool party with son over pet dogs

A father has left a children's pool party with his son after an issue he…

2 hours ago

Fort Bliss soldier arrested in El Paso video of dog hanging off truck

Senior golden retriever finds joy again with new puppy companionAlly, a 12-year-old golden retriever, finds…

3 hours ago

Shop all-natural pet solutions for 25 per cent off with Aussie pet care brand Michu’s EOFY sale

If you’re a pet owner, now is the perfect time to stock up on pet…

3 hours ago

Shy puppy Rusty wants to find his forever family

Pet CHEK is brought to you in partnership with Bosley's. Three-month-old puppy Rusty is the…

4 hours ago

Hundreds of dogs find new homes at mega adoption event in Plant City

PLANT CITY, Fla. - Families looking for a new furry friend were already lined up…

5 hours ago