Respiratory Illness in Dogs

We have all seen recent news stories about a serious respiratory illness in dogs causing cough, pneumonia and sometimes leading to death. Much of the severity/frequency of the disease is being augmented by the media, however, there has been some reported uptick in respiratory disease in dogs beginning last summer (2023). Here is what we know:

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRD) is seen commonly in dogs, primarily in those with frequent or intense exposure to other dogs, such as daycare, boarding, or play group situations. This can be caused by multiple organisms, both bacteria and viruses, and is usually a mild, self-limiting disease similar to a cold going around human daycare facilities. We have PCR testing available to check for the common pathogens and if bacteria are involved, or if a cough is getting deeper and turning into pneumonia, we may treat it with antibiotics. Less severe cases usually do not need antibiotics. Less severe cases usually do not need antibiotics.

There has been an increase in cases involving coughing in young, otherwise healthy dogs with the cough lasting longer than usual, sometimes up to months. These dogs are testing negative on our PCR tests, leading to speculation of a new disease, however, to date nothing as been identified. Most of these dogs respond to symptomatic treatment and go on to recover. The most important thing is to get your dog to the vet so that appropriate treatment can be started.

How do we prevent this? The best way to prevent any communicable disease is through prevention. Make sure your dog is up to date on our available vaccines for respiratory illness. Avoid interaction with dogs you do not know, as their health status is unknown. Make sure your groomer/kennel/boarding facility is taking preventive measures as we all become accustomed to during COVID. 

As more information becomes available, we will keep you all posted.