Few things cause as much concern to us pet owners as the mention of a mysterious dog illness going around. We all want our furry friends to stay happy and healthy, and the recent spread of a dog respiratory infection has led to increased veterinary visits and a collective worry across the nation.
While it’s still unclear what exactly is causing this dog respiratory illness, we can help you better understand its symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
Dog Respiratory Illness Symptoms
Common symptoms of the dog respiratory illness include:
- Persistent coughing
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms are not unusual for dogs to experience as a result of a minor illness or winter cold. However, if your dog is currently experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take a trip to your veterinarian. This can help you ensure early intervention if it happens to be something more severe, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
For convenient, walk-in vet care, stop by your nearest PetWellClinic®!
Dog Respiratory Illness Prevention
It’s comforting to know that there are proactive measures you can take to help prevent respiratory illnesses from spreading to your dog. All pet owners should:
- Avoid crowded pet areas
- Vaccinate your dog
Avoid Crowded Pet Areas
One of the primary precautions all pet owners should take is to avoid densely populated pet areas. These include:
- Dog parks
- Doggy day care
- Boarding facilities
It’s easy for illnesses to spread between dogs when they’re playing with each other in these types of areas, especially when they’re in close proximity indoors. By steering clear of these crowded spots, you can significantly reduce the chances of your furry companions coming into contact with the severe respiratory infection.
Vaccinate Your Dog
Another important step to reduce your dog’s risk of infection is to make sure they’re up-to-date on vaccinations. Dog vaccines play a pivotal role in bolstering their immune system against potential threats, including respiratory illnesses.
All dogs should stay current on the following vaccines to protect against respiratory ailments:
- 5-in-1 Vaccine (DAPP)
- Bordetella Vaccine
Canine parainfluenza, more commonly known as the flu, is one of the illnesses that the 5-in-1 Vaccine (DAPP) protects against. This is a viral lung infection that causes symptoms similar to the mysterious respiratory illness, so it’s important to make sure your dog has gotten a recent booster shot of this vaccine.
The bordetella vaccine provides a crucial shield against kennel cough. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is also very similar to the mysterious illness going around. Keeping up with these vaccinations is an essential preemptive measure in safeguarding your pet’s health.
Both of these vaccines and more are included in our comprehensive Dog Wellness Packages and Puppy Packages. Walk into your nearest PetWellClinic® to protect your pup today!
Dog Respiratory Illness Treatment
While the threat of a mysterious dog respiratory illness is frightening to all of us pet owners, it’s luckily not something to panic about. If your dog is experiencing symptoms, the best way to ensure early diagnosis and treatment is to visit your veterinarian.
When you first get to the vet, the first thing they will do is conduct a thorough physical examination of your dog. This allows the vet to assess vital signs, lung sounds, and overall health status. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your pet’s symptoms, recent activities, and any potential exposure to other dogs or affected areas. This will help your vet narrow down possible causes and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
In some cases, your vet might recommend further diagnostic tests, such as blood work, X-rays, or swabs of the respiratory tract. These tests help in identifying the cause of the illness or ruling out other underlying conditions.
Treatment for respiratory illnesses in dogs can vary depending on the diagnosis. It may include a combination of:
- Medications
- Rest and Hydration
- Isolation from other pets
In severe cases, such as progression to pneumonia, you may need to seek advanced veterinary care or hospitalize your dog.
Remember, early intervention is key in managing respiratory illnesses in dogs. Prompt veterinary attention not only aids in a quicker recovery but also reduces the risk of complications.
At PetWellClinic®, we pride ourselves on convenient, walk-in vet care that protects your dog from these types of contagious illnesses. Our Dog Wellness Packages bundle the vaccines your dog needs with other preventative care necessities, such as physical exams and lab tests. You can count on us for pet minor illness and chronic condition care that is kind to you and your pet.
Walk into your local PetWellClinic® today!
PetWellClinic® is dedicated to being here for pet owners. We have locations and services built with convenience in mind. Stop by with your pet any time! No appointment necessary.