(The Center Square) – Illinois dog owners are panicking about reports of a mystery respiratory illness that has been affecting dogs in other states.
People are asking their vets if it is safe to send their dogs to daycare. They are wondering about the risk of boarding dogs over the holidays.
“All good questions,” Dr. Drew Sullivan, medical director of Chicago’s Medical District Veterinary Clinic, said. “We just don’t have enough data yet to be able to answer some of these questions.”
So far, there are no reported cases of the new mystery illness among dogs here in Illinois, Sullivan said.
“We haven’t seen any of it. The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association just put out an alert saying that they do not have reported cases,” Sullivan said.
Oregon, Colorado and New Hampshire are states that have reported cases of unusual respiratory illness, which has caused lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotics.
The last time Illinois experienced a bad outbreak of a new form of canine influenza was in 2015, Sullivan said.
“Is it coming? Maybe. We don’t really know,” he said.
Common cold symptoms that dogs normally experience are coughing, runny nose, eye discharge, and chest congestion. Before you run to the vet’s office, give them a call, Sullivan said. Chances are that the dog is just experiencing one of the common dog viruses that dogs get in colder months.
“If the dog is eating and drinking and playing, acting pretty normal but with a dry cough, maybe that dog is better off at home while the virus runs its course,” Sullivan said.
If, on the other hand, the dog is lethargic and not eating, not acting like his normal self, pay attention.
“When dogs are actually acting sick, it is more worrisome,” Sullivan said.
Keep dogs that have symptoms away from other dogs, Sullivan advised. Respiratory diseases spread very quickly in communal environments. Immunocompromised dogs and puppies are particularly at risk of catching viruses.
Other concerns may be about avoiding dog parks or whether pet owners should worry about leaving their dog at the groomer.
“Just use caution,” Sullivan says.
Dogs need exercise. Dogs need to get outside.
“When the flu is going around and it is the middle of flu season, people don’t just stay home and not go anywhere,” he said.
Take the dog out but be thoughtful about it. Go to the dog park when it is less crowded. Don’t let the dog drink out of the common water bowl outside of the coffee shop. Check with your vet to make sure the dog’s vaccinations are up to date.