Surge in Mystery Dog Illness Sparks Concern: What to Know
Getting the flu or a severe cold seems somewhat unavoidable during the holiday season. However, it’s not just humans facing risks. There’s an unidentified, and highly contagious respiratory illness affecting dogs as well.
Concerns are mounting among veterinarians nationwide as an increasing number of dogs exhibit coughing symptoms, causing anxiety among pet owners and experts. Idaho resident Wendy Brown witnessed this firsthand with her three golden retrievers—Bridge, Dooley, and Lulu.
In early November, Brown observed troubling signs in her pets. “Dooley started doing kind of this huffing and also seemed to feel quite lethargic,” Brown shared with Good Morning America. Bridge and Lulu, soon after displayed similar symptoms. Initially considering it to be a typical kennel cough, the persistence and severity of their conditions hinted at a more troubling issue.
Kennel cough typically resolves in seven to 10 days and clears up on its own. A veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics like doxycycline. This is generally the case, if there’s a risk of a secondary bacterial infection, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Experts weigh in on mystery dog illness.
Veterinary experts, including Amanda Cavanagh from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, affirmed that this mysterious illness is highly contagious and potentially fatal. Symptoms mimic those of kennel cough, such as coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, and lethargy. Cavanagh noted on GMA that a transition from a dry to a wet cough indicates a more serious condition, possibly pneumonia.
The Department of Agriculture in Oregon has officially documented 200 cases of a concerning canine disease. According to veterinarians in the state, the illness acts swiftly, with some affected dogs experiencing pneumonia-related fatalities in less than a week.
Meanwhile, The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas has designated the unidentified illness as “strep zoo,” a term derived from Streptococcus zooepidemicus.
Due to the contagious nature of the illness, Cavanagh recommends pet owners seek veterinary care for dogs with persistent coughing. Advanced diagnostics like lung ultrasounds can help identify whether the cause is pneumonia or the circulating contagious strain. She also advises isolating coughing dogs from others. Continuing this isolation for two weeks after symptoms subside, prevents the spread of this mysterious illness.
5 Surprising Symptoms People Ignore Most When They're Sick
Cold sweats or Chills
Chills and cold sweats can be uncomfortable. Chills feel like a sudden wave of cold running through your body, making you shiver. Cold sweats, on the other hand, are when you start sweating but your skin feels cold and damp instead of warm. Some people may not immediately associate these symptoms with something serious. They might attribute them to temporary factors such as being in a cold environment or wearing too many layers of clothing. People may underestimate the significance of cold sweats or chills, especially if they are not accompanied by other noticeable symptoms. They may assume it’s just a passing discomfort that doesn’t require medical attention.
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Fever
When you have a fever, your body temperature rises above its normal range, which is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). Fevers can vary in severity and may range from mild to high-grade, depending on the underlying cause. Sometimes, people ignore a fever for a few reasons. They might think it’s just a common cold or flu and believe it’ll go away on its own. It’s important to remember that a fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection or an underlying health condition.
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Body Aches
When you experience body aches, you may feel soreness, tenderness, or a general sense of discomfort in your muscles, joints, or other areas. People may dismiss body aches because they may think it’s just a normal part of everyday life and not something to be concerned about. Some may believe their body aches are due to factors like physical exertion, tiredness, or overexertion during exercise. Also, if someone has experienced them before and they have resolved on their own.
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Green Mucus
Some people may believe that the color of mucus is not a reliable indicator of an illness. While green mucus can be associated with certain infections or respiratory conditions, it’s not always a definite sign of a serious problem. People may assume that it’s normal and will resolve on its own.
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Serious Cough
This kind of cough can disrupt your daily life, mess with your sleep, and leave you feeling exhausted. People ignore serious coughs for a few reasons. Some think it’ll go away on its own or believe it’s just a minor issue like a cold or allergies. Others worry about the cost or hassle of going to the doctor. There’s also the fear of getting a serious diagnosis that can make people hesitant to seek help.
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