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A mysterious and potentially deadly illness is spreading among dogs nationwide, prompting a new warning for pet owners in Seattle.
Kevin Snekvik, the Executive Director of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, revealed that researchers are still grappling with the root cause of this disease.
The first reports of the illness surfaced in Oregon, where there have been over 100 incidents. Snekvik emphasized that the disease is highly contagious, spreading rapidly among dogs.
“Your dog will experience fever, lethargy, and a persistent cough. It’s important to watch for a more productive, wet cough, which could indicate a serious condition,” Sekvik advised.
Snekvik emphasized the need for dog owners to remain vigilant and attentive to their pets’ behavior, particularly in detecting symptoms of the illness.
Pet owners should promptly seek veterinary care if their dog exhibits any of the symptoms and ensure that samples are sent to a state lab for testing,” he added.
“What we’re seeing is respiratory disease, manifesting as coughing and overall malaise, similar to kennel cough,” he explained.
Snekvik further advised people to refrain from dog parks and interacting with unfamiliar dogs to prevent the spread of the illness.
“With her energy levels, I can’t necessarily skip our regular activities and interactions. It’s a little worrying,” expressed Kelsey Moburg, a concerned dog owner.
Snekvik also urged pet owners to reconsider boarding their dogs over the holidays, if possible, as a precautionary measure.
“It sounds like he might be coming to Indianapolis with me for a couple of weeks for the holidays,” shared Emma Green, discussing plans to bring her dog, Duncan, along for holiday travels.
