Wash Your Paws: There's a New Dog Disease

Ashley Rodriguez writes about the outbreak of a new virus in man's best friend.

Image Credit: Zoetis

The “Mystery Dog Illness” is a respiratory illness similar to COVID-19. It has become a recent issue as cases have been rising and veterinarians have been reporting cases all over the U.S. Pet owners are now taking precautions to keep their dogs healthy, and looking out for the symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms are fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing, weight loss, loss of appetite, and nasal or eye discharge. One of the best precautions to take to keep your dog safe is to avoid high-traffic areas. Taking your dog out is still a necessity, but avoid places like dog parks and groomers. When you take your dog outside, avoid contact with other dogs. Keep their paws clean by washing them after coming inside from walks, also make sure to gently wash their snout area.

While the disease has been a major concern for some pet owners, Sydni, an FHS Senior commented, “I have little to no information on said illness, and to this point I have taken no new precautions.” Another FHS Senior, Daniel, said, “I am a little worried that my dog would get sick. As of right now I haven’t made any major changes to her routine. She still gets her regular walks but I have stopped taking her to dog parks."

The exact origin of the disease is still unknown. According to the LA Times, some of the frst traces are found in New Hampshire and Oregon, two opposite sides of the country. Most cases of the sickness have been reported on the West Coast, but the disease is still spreading in the East towards neighboring states. There are a total of 16 states nationwide that have reported cases of the illness; the closest ones being Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vermont, and Rhode Island.