Veterinarians warn dog owners of spreading infection
RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Veterinarians are warning pet owners about an upper respiratory infection affecting dogs.
Leesville Animal Hospital in Raleigh sent an email to clients alerting them of the infection that's causing dogs to develop a cough.
During the last two weeks, Dr. Harold Pearce has seen about 17 pets showing mild symptoms of the infection, some who've been at Leesville's boarding facility and day camp and some who picked it up elsewhere.
Pearce said symptoms have shown up in both well-vaccinated dogs and those who weren't up-to-date on vaccines.
Veterinarians don't know what's causing the infection, and if it's bacterial or viral.
Pearce hasn't seen any serious complications or death, but at Leesville Animal Hospital they're working to contain the spread by treating sick dogs with antibiotics and cough suppressants and sending them home immediately.
He said pet owners should know that boarding, grooming, socializing at dog parks or day cares are at-risk situations.
"The unfortunate part of this is it's summertime," said Pearce. "We see a lot of activity, dog parks, we've had them coming from dog parks, other day camps, other boarding facilities, some in our facilities. And it's fairly widespread. So I suspect whatever it is, we still have a fairly native canine population that's very susceptible to this."
Pearce has sent samples to a lab for testing and is hoping results will hold the answer as to what's causing the infection.
He suggests if your dog is showing symptoms of a cough, to call your veterinarian right away.
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