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Sun: CLOSED
Wed: 8a – 4p (Urgent Care)

What Is Canine Respiratory Illness and How Can We Evade It? 

Canine respiratory illness, also called CRI, is a growing issue with documented cases now reported in 16 states. Unfortunately, the cause and cure for this illness are not yet understood, making CRI a potentially fatal situation. With pet owners and veterinarians on high alert across the nation, it’s important to educate yourself on the signs and preventative measures you may take as a dog owner to keep your pet shielded from this harmful condition.

Known Cases and Regions

So far, canine respiratory illness has been known to have traveled through 16 states. The reported cases and regions include the following: 

  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Illinois
  • Pennsylvania
  • Maryland
  • Vermont
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • Colorado
  • Idaho
  • Oregon
  • Washington
  • California
  • Nevada

Symptoms To Look Out For

Early intervention is imperative in combating canine respiratory illness. While some dogs may recover on their own, CRI has been known to lead to pneumonia, making it potentially life-threatening without prompt veterinary care. The common symptoms of CRI include:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Nasal and eye discharge
  • Trouble breathing and/or wheezing
  • Fever
  • Lethargy

CRI Prevention Tips

Although we do not have a full understanding of the cause of canine respiratory illness, we do know that this condition is highly contagious and derives from contact with other, infected dogs. As such, it’s essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your dog. We recommend the following:

  • Prioritize Vaccinations: It’s important to ensure your dog is fully vaccinated and up-to-date on their immunizations.
  • Refrain from Visiting High-Risk Areas: High-risk areas include any location where your dog may come in close proximity to another dog, such as the dog park, doggy daycare, boarding programs, and other crowded dog events.
  • Monitor Your Pet for Early Detection: Getting familiar with the symptoms of CRI is an effective way to ensure you will be able to seek veterinary care in the event of your dog contracting the illness.

For more tips and guidance on how to safely navigate this outbreak of canine respiratory illness, contact your local veterinarian today.

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Sun: CLOSED
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