Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease: <br>What We Know

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease:
What We Know

At Heart of Chelsea, the health and safety of your beloved pets is our top priority. Over the past several weeks, there have been reports of dogs experiencing a respiratory disease of unknown origin in multiple states. We are closely monitoring the situation and want to assure you that we are taking all necessary precautions to safeguard the well-being of our patients.

The cause of this infectious disease remains unknown. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA NVSL), and multiple diagnostic facilities are continuing to research and collaborate with private practitioners.

Cases have been associated primarily with boarding and day care facilities, with most cases being mild.

 

What are the symptoms?

What are the symptoms?

  • Prolonged dry cough (similar to kennel cough but lasting longer)
  • Excessive sneezing
  • Nasal or eye discharge
  • Generalized malaise or lethargy and decreased appetite.

If you observe any of these symptoms in your pet or have any concerns about their health, please contact us. Our team is here to support you.

Prevention

Prevention

  • Prompt treatment is essential. If your pet is having symptoms, please schedule an appointment so one of our doctors can best assess your pet's health.
  • When possible, avoid areas where many dogs congregate. We recommend reaching out to your boarding facilities and dog runs directly with any questions regarding their sanitation, capacity limits, and isolation protocols.
  • Prohibit your dog from drinking out of any public water bowls.
  • Confirm that your pet is up to date on all vaccines, especially canine influenza and Bordetella. Please note, patients cannot be vaccinated if they are actively ill.
  • If your dog is coughing, keep them home and use good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection
Safety and hygiene protocols

Safety and hygiene protocols

We have implemented protocols to limit the exposure of any potentially contagious animals to the rest of our patients. This includes continued cleaning and disinfection measures, as well as strict isolation procedures for affected animals. Our hospitals are all AAHA accredited and follow updated best practices for maintaining a safe facility.

Air Filtration

With the ability to reduce 99% of all microbes in a sneeze before they can travel 3 feet, our Advanced Air Filtration system should give you peace of mind when you visit. To see how it works, watch the video provided!

We Will Continue to Keep You Updated

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your pets. We will continue to provide the most up to date information regarding this situation. We remain committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all our patients.