As a veterinarian, I have seen my fair share of illnesses and diseases in dogs. However, the recent outbreak of a mysterious virus has caught the attention of the entire veterinary community. This virus, which causes fever, cough, and lethargy in dogs, has already spread to at least 16 states in the US. As we continue to learn more about this virus, many pet owners are left wondering: how do dogs get this new dog virus?Although we don't yet know exactly how this virus is transmitted, some experts believe that it is spread through close contact and inhalation of the same air as an infected dog.
It's a lot like how COVID-19 is transmitted from one person to another. This means that dogs who are in close proximity to other dogs are at a higher risk of becoming infected. According to Dr. Christine Glass, a veterinary expert from Freshpet, the highest risk factor for this virus is being around other dogs. Respiratory diseases are easily transmitted through airborne aerosol droplets, which can be inhaled by other dogs.
It can also be spread through fomites or inanimate objects that have been contaminated with the virus. Research scientists and veterinarians are working diligently to identify the pathogen that is causing this alarming disease; however, there is still a lot that we don't know. What is clear is that dogs who are exposed to areas with a lot of "dog traffic" (such as boarding schools, dog daycare centers, dog parks, and grooming shops) are at a greater risk of becoming infected. One important factor that can help protect your dog from this virus is good nutrition. Dr. Glass advises pet owners to ensure that their dog is receiving a balanced and nutritious diet.
This can help boost their immune system and make them less susceptible to the virus. According to CBS Boston, this mysterious disease seems to pose a more serious threat to dog breeds with flat faces or short snouts, such as pugs or French bulldogs. These breeds are predisposed to respiratory diseases, making them more vulnerable to this virus. If you have a play date planned with a dog who is not showing any signs of the disease, it is likely safe to proceed. However, if your dog does show symptoms of the virus, it's important to take action quickly. This virus can worsen rapidly, so veterinarians are taking a more proactive approach by starting dogs on antibiotics right away instead of waiting to see if they get better with antitussives. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has also urged pet owners to visit their veterinarian if their dog has a persistent cough, loss of appetite, or shows signs of weakness.
Not much is known about the origin of this virus, but dogs who have contracted it have shown serious symptoms that can even result in death. Because of the way this virus is transmitted, it's important to reduce your dog's exposure to other dogs whenever possible. Over the past year, there has been an increase in the number of dogs becoming infected with what veterinarians have termed Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (AciRdC). While there is no specific treatment for this virus, most vets simply advise pet owners to do everything they can to keep their dogs healthy and avoid contact with other sick dogs. It's also important to make sure that your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations.
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