Photo by Greg Ellison

By Cindy Hoffman, Staff Writer

(Dec. 7, 2023) The news is ripe with stories about a new respiratory illness that is spreading through the canine population. Kaitlyn Fitzhugh of the Iron Will Animal Rescue said that it is creeping up from the south and has been seen in Richmond. It has also been found in Pennsylvania. The bacterium is airborne and there is currently no test or vaccine for it, so the dog must be isolated and treated systematically.

Fitzhugh encourages people to try to keep their canine companions safe by avoiding doggy daycares, public outings and boarding where the disease is present. Keep pets up to date with vaccines including kennel cough. While the new disease will not be stopped by this vaccine, it helps to rule out diseases the animal is vaccinated for.

If your dog develops a cough that lasts a few weeks, has runny eyes and is sneezing, contact your vet.