Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Safe

 With all the news going around about this "mysterious" illness affecting dogs, it seems like a good time to talk about routine pet care and staying ahead of any problems that may occur.

We discussed this illness before in the previous post and you can read that here.

When you adopt a pet, it is a life-long (for the pet) commitment. You assume total responsibility for the care and health of that animal. In return, the pet will love you and look up to you and obey you. We all know that having a pet is a wonderful experience. Pets enrich your life more than anyone can say.

One of the things we need to do is be organized about keeping them healthy, the same way we do for keeping our children healthy and safe. In that vein, you need some type of way to keep up with routine health items.  Having a checklist for the normal and routine things you need to do is a time saver and I have created a simple checklist for you here.  Just click this link to get a copy. 

As for this "mystery illness" going around, there are some things you can do to be proactive and try to protect your pet. 

1. Know your pet's normal demeanor--By being familiar with what is normal behavior, you will be alerted when something is "off".

Here are a list of things to look for:

Dog respiratory illness symptoms include:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Wheezing or nasal whistling
• Dehydration
• Difficulty exercising
• Fever
• Nasal or eye discharge
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy

Experts encourage dog owners to contact their veterinarians immediately if any of the symptoms occur, especially those that can lead to pneumonia.

2. Make sure you are feeding quality food to your pet.  I am aware that we all are suffering from this economy, but food is really not a good place to cut back.  We really are what we eat, so quality in makes quality life.

3.Try to limit or eliminate totally having your pet interacting with strange or unfamiliar animals. Just like during the pandemic, we had to limit our interactions with others.  Pets can't wear masks or use antiseptice hand cleaners, so the next best thing is to keep them isolated as much as possible.

4. If your pet goes to a groomer or a daycare facility, be sure to ask them about the measures they are taking to prevent outbreaks of illness to pets there. They should be aware of this situation and they should be doing something to prevent their clients from becoming sick.

5. Have the numbers of both your regular veterinarian as well as a 24 hour ER veterinarian available in case you need them.  In emergencies, every second matters and you don't want to lose time searching for these.

6. If you pet becomes sick, put that pet into some type of quarentine if you are a multiple pet household.  There is so much unknown about this illness that you don't want to take any chances with your family.

7. Don't panic. Your pet will respond to your emotional state and become agitated and frightened if you are in a frenzy. Remain calm, treat the symptoms and get your pet seen by the vet as soon as humanly possible.

8. Know that this illness requires agressive treatment and the cost will be high, so be prepared for the bill.  If possible, have pet insurance on your pet, or at least have a credit account you can use for emergencies.

The news about this illness is not good, except for the number of dogs dying is not astronomically high. There have been deaths but unfortunately it happens. The current thought by vets all across the country is that the sooner you catch it, the better the outcome. So, know your pets.

Resources:

• Reports of mysterious, deadly dog disease now surfacing across Western Washington
• WA veterinarian warns of respiratory illness affecting dogs across nation
• Mysterious and fatal dog respiratory illness now reported in 14 states: See the map.

Unraveling the Mystery: Understanding the New Illness Affecting Dogs

In recent times, a new, mysterious illness has been emerging in the canine world, raising concerns among pet owners and veterinarians alike. This illness, still unnamed and not fully understood, has been observed in various locations, leading to a growing need for awareness and understanding among dog lovers.

I have been aware of this illness for some time due to a video posted online by The Asher House. Mr. Asher has a YouTube channel that features him talking about his rescue efforts and introducing the myriad dogs he has living on his sanctuary. It is obvious to anyone who watches him that he loves these dogs and wants them to live healthy and happy lives.

But, back 3 months ago, he talked about how the animal community in Oregon was being hit by a mysterious disease for dogs.  His dogs were becoming sick at an alarming rate.  Several of his dogs died from this illness, but due to the fact that he takes in sick, old, and disabled dogs to his sanctuary, he felt that was unavoidable. He posted several videos about what was going on in Oregon and with his dogs. He worked tirelessly with the Veterinarians in Oregon including those at the Veterinary College. 

As far as we know, Oregon was the first state hit, however now this illness has crept into numerous states at an alarming rate. Here is a map showing the states involved so far:

A map of U.S. states showing those where a new, mystery respiratory illness has been reported among the local dog population, as of November 22, 2023. States marked in red are where cases have been officially confirmed, while those in cream are where cases have been reported but not confirmed.NEWSWEEK/GETTY

What We Know So Far

The symptoms of this illness are varied, but some common signs have been noted. Affected dogs have shown:

• - Unusual lethargy and lack of energy
• - Loss of appetite
• - Unexplained weight loss
• - Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea
• - Respiratory problems in some cases

Veterinarians have been working tirelessly to understand the root cause of these symptoms. While it's still early in the investigation, there are no clear links to any specific breed, age, or environmental factors.

Theories and Investigations

Several theories are being explored to understand this mysterious illness:

1. Viral Infection: Similar to how the canine influenza virus operates, a new virus could be responsible for these symptoms. Researchers are conducting extensive tests to identify any new viral strains.

2. Environmental Toxins: There's a possibility that environmental factors, such as toxins or allergens, could be triggering these symptoms. This theory is being explored through geographical analysis of affected cases.

3. Dietary Causes: Given the gastrointestinal symptoms, a dietary link hasn't been ruled out. This includes potential reactions to certain ingredients in dog foods or treats.

4. Genetic Factors: Although there's no clear breed-specific pattern, genetic predispositions to certain illnesses could play a role.

What Dog Owners Should Do

While the investigation continues, dog owners are advised to be vigilant. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian immediately. Early detection and supportive care can make a significant difference.

The Role of the Veterinary Community

Veterinarians are on the frontline of this situation, not only providing care but also collecting data to help understand the illness. They are working in collaboration with various health organizations and research institutes to fast-track the identification of the cause.

Staying Informed and Prepared

As a dog owner, staying informed is vital. Follow updates from reputable sources such as veterinary associations and animal health organizations. Additionally, maintaining regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle for your dog is more important than ever.

This new mystery illness in dogs is a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of animal health. It underscores the importance of ongoing research, surveillance, and the bond between veterinarians and pet owners in ensuring the well-being of our beloved canine companions. As we await more concrete information, vigilance and proactive care remain our best tools.

Listed below are articles I found about what is happening for you to read and learn how to protect your dog(s).

Resources:

• Mystery dog illness: Symptoms, states, and what to know as vets scramble to map out the cause
• Dog Illness Map Shows States Where Pets Are Affected
• A potentially fatal mystery illness in dogs is spreading in the US. It starts with a cough