SEATTLE — Dog owners should keep an eye on their pets' coughs, Washington's state veterinarian warns, as an unidentified respiratory canine illness spreads across the nation.
No cases of the illness in Washington have been reported as of Tuesday, but it has been recorded in four states: Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Washington State Veterinarian Amber Itle recommended dog owners be vigilant, as experts suspect the illness is more widespread than just the states it's been confirmed in.
The illness causes pneumonia and does not respond to antibiotics, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy. Some cases of the pneumonia progress quickly, making dogs very sick within 24 to 36 hours.
This is the time of year that dogs tend to get respiratory illnesses, so Itle recommends taking extra precautions such as keeping your dog vaccinated and away from areas where dogs congregate. A veterinarian might recommend additional vaccines if you must have your dog around many other dogs.
Experts have not seen cases where the illness was transmitted to humans.
In Oregon, over 200 cases have been documented, and some dogs have died.
Veterinarians are asked to report cases of the illness in dogs through the WSDA online reporting tool.
"By working together, we can stay ahead of any potential outbreaks and keep our furry companions healthy and happy," Itle said in a news release.
