Canine Respiratory Illness Unnerves Dog Owners – But Should It?
By: Patti Strand Date: 11/29/2023 Category: | Veterinary Issues |
Any dog owner who has watched TV, read a newspaper, or clicked on social media during the last few weeks is likely to be concerned about a new canine respiratory illness. This illness is reported as causing severe symptoms and even fatalities. The worry is heightened for people who participate in dog sports and training classes, and those who may have to board their dogs (which is quite common during the holiday season).
Animal enthusiasts are always grateful when issues that affect their pets attract media coverage. Unfortunately, the information available to reporters on this issue is piecemeal, out of context, and lacking in basic “who, what, when, and where” information. This forces their readers to speculate rather than gain an understanding – and since this speculation holds the prospect of serious illness for our pets, it can take us to scary places!
About a week ago, NAIA started receiving inquiries asking if we had information about the current status of this illness. In response, we attempted to do a little detective work. We researched the literature to find the best information on the subject available. We contacted veterinarians and veterinarian associations in several states. We also contacted kennel clubs that had held recent shows. We asked questions that we thought would provide clues to the current incidence of severe respiratory illness.
Although our brief investigation allowed us to form some conclusions, they are based on far less information than the data that is available to scientists and veterinarians who do this work as a profession. So, instead of sharing the results of our limited inquiry, we are providing you a link to the best single resource we’ve found on the subject, a blog authored by experts on the subject.
The source is the Worms and Germs Blog authored by Drs. Scott Weiss and Maureen Anderson. This site always has excellent information. Their treatment of canine respiratory illness is unrivaled, as you can read below:
- A Dog Owner’s Guide to Navigating Respiratory Disease Concerns
- New Weird Canine Respiratory Pathogen? What Do We Know?
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About The Author
Patti is a recognized expert and consultant on contemporary animal issues, most notably responsible dog ownership and the animal rights movement. She often appears on radio and television and her articles on canine issues, animal welfare, public policy and animal rights have appeared in major US news publications and in trade, professional and scientific journals. Patti and her…
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