Dogs all across the nation are experiencing their very own pandemic which is quite similar to what happened during the Covid-19 pandemic. A mysterious new respiratory virus has been sweeping across the United States and unfortunately for a few cases, it can be deadly.

Not all states have been affected yet. The only states with reported cases include California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Veterinarians in these states have not been able to identify the underlying cause.

This new virus presents itself like Bordetella (A.K.A. Kennel Cough), Canine Parainfluenza, and other common respiratory infections. Some symptoms to watch out for are excessive coughing or sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, nasal or eye discharge, dehydration, loss of appetite or weight, fever, and weakness. So far, this virus has only been seen in dogs, other house pets or animals have not been reported with the illness.

We all tend to freak out, especially post-COVID, when we hear about a new virus that is spreading that doesn’t have any form or treatment. In reality, many veterinarians are not worried about this mysterious virus, so we shouldn’t be either. It has been hard to pinpoint what this disease is because, by the time the dog is tested for already known viruses, they are no longer carrying the pathogen. It has been said that this new disease is not COVID-19, although in very rare cases, dogs can catch Covid-19. Just like a dog can get Covid, a human can catch this new respiratory disease but it is very rare. There have not been any documented cases of any human or any other animal that isn’t a dog having this mysterious disease.

The reports have not shown any indication of the virus being treated by any prescribed antibiotics, however, this is not a sign to begin worrying as most dogs’ respiratory illnesses don’t respond to antibiotics anyway. The virus likely won’t spread much farther since any respiratory illness spreads through contact. The outbreaks that have been reported will more than likely stay local.

Some dogs are at more risk than others. Young and healthy dogs have been shown to recover without any long-term effects. Similar to COVID-19, dogs that are old, very young, pregnant, and/or have underlying respiratory or heart problems are more prone to the mysterious virus. Flat-faced dog breeds such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, etc. are more likely to have a severe case if they catch the illness.

To prevent your dog from such illness, or other respiratory illnesses, you can limit their exposure. Limiting the exposure of your dog can mean less time at the dog park, groomers, boarders, or daycare. Although the mystery virus has not yet reached Iowa and is not much of a concern to experts, limiting the exposure of your dogs can help limit the exposure to other respiratory illnesses like Bordetella, Canine Parainfluenza and Mycoplasma Pneumonia.