A highly contagious respiratory illness is circulating across the canine community across the US, with symptoms similar to canine influenza and kennel cough. The cause of this mysterious illness, affecting possibly thousands of dogs and claiming some lives, remains unknown, posing a significant challenge to veterinarians and pet owners alike.

What is it?

Per the Oregon Department of Agriculture, it is a likely airborne illness that typically results in

chronic mild to moderate inflammation of the trachea,
chronic pneumonia that is minimally responsive to antibiotics,
or acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes within 24 to 36 hours.

What are the Symptoms?

Harsh, repetitive cough (usually worse in the morning and evening or intensifying with exercise)
Sneezing
Nasal and/or eye discharge
Lethargy
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Intermittent loss of appetite

How long does it typically last?

6 - 8+ weeks

What is the cause?

The cause of this illness is yet to be determined. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory is actively investigating.

How is it transmitted?

Generally, Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) cases more likely occur in shelters, boarding, or training facilities rather than in private homes with limited access to other dogs. This specific illness is thought to be transmitted through the air and contact, such as nose-to-nose touching.

What states have reported cases?

Oregon
Colorado
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
California
Indiana
Illinois
Washington
Idaho
Georgia
Florida
(as of November 22, 2023)

How can I keep my dog(s) safe?

Here are some proactive measures you can take to keep your dog safe:

Pro-actively consult your veterinarian for dog-specific recommendations.
Keep vaccines updated: Bordetella, Adenovirus 2, and parainfluenza vaccine, combined with the injectable influenza H3N2 vaccine.
Keep a close eye on your dog and monitor for any of the above mentioned symptoms.
Avoid contact with unknown dogs, e.g. while walking your dog.
Avoid contact with sick dogs (watch out for coughing, runny nose, runny eyes).
Avoid contact with groups of dogs (especially if you do not know their vaccination status), like

dog parks
dog beaches
doggy day cares
boarding facilities
agility events
groomers (especially if your groomer does not require vaccination)

Don’t share dog bowls, toys, chews between dogs.
If it is needed that you board your dog or let them socialize with other dogs, make sure all dogs have been vaccinated at least two weeks prior to ensure immunity has developed.

What should you do if your dog shows signs of the illness?

Immediately contact your veterinarian: Early treatment is important. If you have multiple dogs in your household and only one of them shows signs, it's crucial to start treatment on all of them right away.
Isolate your dog: To prevent the spread of the illness to other pets in the home, keep the affected dog separate from healthy ones.
Provide your dog with access to sufficient water and food.

How is it usually treated?

Treatment for this still largely unknown illness is challenging. Most dogs experience a mild course of the illness, especially if they are vaccinated. Some dogs may experience a more severe and prolonged course compared to typical respiratory infections. Early intervention is crucial, and veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics, supplemental oxygen, and anti-inflammatories based on the severity of symptoms.

Cost of treatment

Depending on the severity, treatment cost can go up to 15k+ so it is advisable to obtain coverage through pet insurance ahead of time (you can find more information about how to select the best pet insurance for your personal situation in AskOllie.net’s Members Area). Please note, these costs can vary and it's advisable to consult with your veterinarian or pet insurance provider for specific information.

Without dog parks and day care, how can I keep my dog from getting bored?

Don’t worry, AskOllie.net has you covered! You can find a large amount of ideas on how to keep your pup happy and healthy. Some examples:

Brush up on basic obedience commands
Teach your dog a new trick
Give your dog a massage
Set up a mini scavenger hunt
Play a scent game
Prepare a delicious KONG
Challenge your dog’s mind with puzzle toys and sniffing mats

You can find additional ideas for enrichment & bonding activities, including a dog bucket list with 160+ experiences here.

Sources for this blog post:

WebMD, American Veterinary Medical Association, Oregon Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Medical Center Schwarzman, Colorado State University, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Amici Pet Hospital

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