Many of you have reached out with questions regarding the recent news of a “mystery dog illness” that has been affecting dogs.
Fitdog has not seen any cases, but we are tracking updates from the Los Angeles Department of Veterinary Public Health (VPH) and are staying in close contact with our veterinary partners.
Below is a recap of the latest information, as well as how we got here.
What’s Happening Locally
The VPH has received multiple reports of dogs experiencing acute onset respiratory disease of unknown etiology. These cases were in San Fernando Valley, Malibu, Pacific Palisades and El Segundo.
Clinical signs have been mostly mild to moderate with a few severe cases. The outbreaks have appeared to have stopped [in those areas].
The mysterious dog illness cases are being identified as Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease(aCIRD). Symptoms of aCIRD are similar to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC or aka Kennel Cough) and Canine Flu including coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, fever and lethargy. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, please contact your vet immediately.
If your dog has been diagnosed with aCIRD, your dog should be isolated for 28 days from first onset symptoms.
Fitdog does not have any reported cases of aCIRD, kennel cough or canine flu.
BackgroundOver the past few years, there has been a noticeable shift in the frequency and severity of canine infectious diseases. Factors contributing to the spread of infectious diseases and growth of variants include an increase in the travel of dogs, overseas adoptions, and participation of group activities. In the Fall of 2021, Los Angeles saw its largest outbreak of Canine Flu cases. As a result of this outbreak, Fitdog and many other doggy daycares began requiring the Canine Flu vaccine for the first time. Related: Dog Flu Outbreak Map Last Fall, there was another uptick in canine respiratory illness which seemed to indicate a seasonal pattern from the previous year. However, many of the cases were reported as pneumonia, not Canine Flu. There were also reports of dogs experiencing a quick onset of symptoms and requiring hospitalization. Veterinarians reported that the cases were “unknown” and “mysterious.”
• Cases not responding to antibiotics • Pneumonia Outbreak in Las Vegas In the Fall of 2023, more cases of the “mysterious illness” were reported including those in Los Angeles. Since 2022, cases have been reported across 12 states. Read More: Mystery Dog Illness, Today.com |
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Other Sources: • New Causes of Pneumonia in Dogs |
OUR COMMUNITY IS MUCH BIGGER THAN YOU THINKCases are rarely isolated. Many doggy parents bring their dogs to two or more daycares in addition to social clubs and local dog parks plus walks around the neighborhood. All of these activities create a wider circle and increase the spread across neighborhoods and daycares. If we know a local daycare is experiencing a surge in cases, we will alert our customers to be on the look-out for the signs and symptoms. Preventing sick dogs from attending daycare or interacting with other dogs is the most effective way to stop the spread.
Preventing the Spread of Disease•If you notice symptoms, keep your dog isolated and seek veterinary care. •If we notice that your dog has symptoms, you will be asked to pick up your dog immediately. If you are unable to pick up your dog, we will bring your dog to your vet for boarding and care (at your expense). Fitdog is not responsible for any medical bills or overnight charges. •Incubation periods for CIRDC can range from a few days to 2 weeks. If we notice your dog has symptoms, they likely contracted it 3 to 5 days prior. •Puppies are much more likely to get sick. Healthy adult dogs usually don’t get sick or are asymptomatic. We recommend immune boosters for all dogs when boarding. Have more questions? Email us at contact@fitdog.com. |
Last updated on November 23, 2023