Kevin Foster
The world keeps throwing curveballs at us. We’ve seen the avian flu in our wild birds, the swine flu, and of course our new strain of flu and Covid. Well, if that wasn’t enough, now there is an unknown virus, giving our furry family dogs a cough. After doing some research, it seems most vets across the United States are experiencing cases with dogs having similar symptoms. In my research, I found that 65 million families have dogs, and the reports of respiratory illness affecting dogs have put many at unease. Most veterinarians can’t pinpoint the exact cause, and what is most concerning is the normal treatment for the common kennel cough appears to be ineffective. I reached out to some friends in other states to see if they are hearing of this new cough affecting dogs in their area and appears it is in most regions of the country.
Veterinarians who study infectious diseases say this may in fact, not be an outbreak of a singular illness at all. There has been no evidence connecting the cough with any common pathogen, let alone an entirely new one. “It is entirely possible that there are many bugs and viruses causing disease in different parts of the country,” says Dr. Jane Sykes, a professor of veterinary medicine at UC Davis, who focuses on infectious disease. Some believe that due to social media, all the people posting about their dogs getting a cough have created the idea that it’s a new virus spreading across the region. One veterinarian says he’s been getting emails recently asking if he’s got an uptick in inquiries about the dog’s cough. He has responded that he has for the last five years, so he seems to believe that the deluge of media and social media is creating an appearance of a nationwide outbreak and causing panic. But one thing is conclusive, if your dog does get a cough or gets wheezy, it’s best to get them to your vet immediately so they can get started on antibiotics if deemed necessary. There have been very rare cases reported where dogs have lost the battle and succumbed to the cough.
Some experts point out that of course, none of the skepticism rules out the possibility of a new virus that scientists just have not pinpointed as of yet. For example, researchers in New Hampshire have identified an odd new bacterium that could be relevant. Although they haven’t yet confirmed this is actually what’s causing illness in some dogs. Although it appears there is no official tally, there is a typical canine respiratory disease, according to state health officials and medical organizations, in more than a dozen states.
After much research, my advice protocol falls back on the avian flu and wildlife rescue during the avian outbreak. I would take extra precautions after rescuing a raptor while the avian flu was running rampant. I would remove my shoes and leave them outside so as to not infect my other falconry birds, make sure I wear a different jacket and thoroughly wash my hands. I think with this new dog virus, we need to take extra precautions to avoid highly populated dog areas for a little while taking your pooch out to play. Make sure your pup is up to date on all their shots and vaccines and if you take them to the dog park, it might be wise to pay close attention if they start to wheeze or have a cough because it is possibly treatable it seems with antibiotics. The key is to get your dog to the vet ASAP.
Final thoughts: don’t let the virus make you keep your dog home and not take it out to enjoy life. Social media and other media sources have always been known to cause panic. Just respond to it as if you want to avoid getting the flu or a cold yourself.
Thanks y’all and remember, if you can’t find a blessing, be one.
