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Outbreaks of an unknown canine respiratory illness have been becoming increasingly prevalent as noted in the media over the past few months in many states across the United States. Especially this time of year, increased respiratory infections are reported among dogs, but this particular one doesn’t yet have a name – or a clear cause or treatment.
Owners are reporting symptoms that mainly include prolonged coughing, lethargy, and change in appetite. We spoke to American Kennel Club Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein about what we know so far, and what dog owners should do to stay vigilant.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Dogs that are being treated for what is believed to be the same respiratory illness have symptoms that include coughing, significant lethargy, and a change in appetite. “If you see those together, that would warrant seeing a veterinarian,” says Dr. Klein.
These symptoms could also be the cause of other upper respiratory illnesses in dogs, like kennel cough, pneumonia, and canine influenza.
What We Know About this Canine Illness
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) first reported cases of this canine respiratory illness in August 2023 in the Portland metro area of Oregon. From mid-August to mid-November, more than 200 cases of this illness were reported. National numbers are not known exactly because states have different reporting requirements, but cases of this canine respiratory illness have been found in Colorado, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Reuters recently reported that potential cases of the canine respiratory illness have been found in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
Dr. Klein says that because the cause is unknown, tracking the illness is also more difficult. “We don’t know if the outbreaks that were experienced in Oregon, for example, are the same cause or causes of the dogs that were studied in New Hampshire.”
But it’s not as widespread as people may think. “I don’t think cases are as prevalent all around the country,” he says. Dr. Klein mentions that only two dogs had been brought in at the practice that he works at in Chicago with similar symptoms in the past few weeks, and these cases turned out to be Bordetella. “There may be other areas that may be worse, and certain parts of the country that may be experiencing outbreaks of something.”
In some cases, pneumonia has been reported in relation to this illness. “The dogs that got pneumonia were a little bit different than typical pneumonia cases that vets see,” Dr. Klein says. “But it doesn’t give us an idea of what it is.”
Is Unknown Canine Respiratory Illness Contagious?
Unfortunately, at the moment, there is no certain answer on whether or not this illness is contagious between dogs.
“We can’t be 100% certain on the exact means of contagion, the duration in the environment, and things like that,” Dr. Klein says. “Whether it’s a virus or bacteria, and how exactly it’s spread, we don’t know exactly.” Until researchers know more, Dr. Klein says that vets are taking extra precautions to keep dogs that are showing symptoms isolated.
Dr. Klein does say that it does appear to be contagious dog-to-dog. “We haven’t seen it in people or in cats relating to this, so we think it’s species-specific.” That being said, he emphasizes that it’s still not known how it transfers, or how it can pass between dogs in the same household, kennels, etc.
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