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“We’re suspicious of possibly another virus or a resistant bacteria that is worsening our historical kennel cough complex,” Dr. Kettig said.
DENVER — A severe upper respiratory illness is going around, impacting dogs in the metro area— the usual treatments don’t seem to be working, and some cases are turning deadly.
Veterinarians are worried it’s only going to get worse in the coming weeks.
At VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Gina Kettig is seeing a concerning number of dogs suffering from the highly contagious upper respiratory infection, with symptoms lasting weeks longer than typical kennel cough.
“We’re suspicious of possibly another virus or a resistant bacteria that is worsening our historical kennel cough complex,” Dr. Kettig said. “This infection tends to infect the lower airways of the lungs, more commonly resulting in serious pneumonia.”
The illness is airborne. It can also be transmitted through contact.
Dr. Kettig said there are a few things you can do right now to protect your dog from getting sick:
- Canine influenza vaccine
- Bordetella vaccine (every six months)
- Keep your dog home as much as possible
- Avoid dog parks, doggy day care, and boarding facilities
“We know it’s hard over the holidays, but consider an in-home pet sitter, if possible, at least temporarily over the next few months until we see this subside a little bit,” Dr. Kettig said.
The illness is impacting dogs of all ages. Most recently, Dr. Kettig said a six-year-old dog died after being diagnosed with the upper respiratory illness.
“It’s hard dealing with any condition that we don’t have complete control over,” Dr. Kettig said. “And sometimes, despite all our efforts on all sides, when we don’t see a great recovery, that’s very hard, and it’s unfortunately a reality.”
Dogs who are getting sick with this are being hospitalized, hooked up to IVs and put on oxygen.
Symptoms to look out for:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Rapid/ labored breathing
If you catch these symptoms early, Dr. Kettig said dogs can recover. “That’s why it’s important not to delay if your dog starts coughing and get them checked out sooner rather than later,” she said.
Dr. Kettig strongly suggests getting pet insurance because people have ended up spending thousands to save their dogs.
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