First off we should state that there have been no reported cases of an essentially new illness in Louisiana dogs, but this sickness is scary enough that Louisiana veterinarians have proactively issued a pretty ominous warning to owners.

KISS Country 93.7 logo
Get our free mobile app
Canva
Canva
loading...

In a story from shreveportbossieradvocate.com, we read about this concern from Louisiana vets:

Veterinarians are asking Louisiana dog owners to avoid bringing their pet around other dogs as a mysterious canine respiratory illness sends animals to hospitals across the country.

Essentially, vets are concerned that contact with an infected dog could lead to some serious complications that could possibly prove fatal.

Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex is an unidentified group of viruses and bacteria that has been making pets sicker than common dog illnesses typically do. Dogs diagnosed with the disease experience bouts of coughing that can last for eight weeks and some have been known to rapidly develop fatal pneumonia, although deaths from the disease are uncommon.

Canva/PetSaversShreveport.org
Canva/PetSaversShreveport.org
loading...

In a recent article from Cornell University, we learn that there are several common signs to watch for in regards to this new Canine Infectious Respiratory Disorder Complex or CIRD.

What Are The Common Signs A Dog Might Have Contracted This Illness?

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Labored breathing
  • Nose or eye discharge
  • Lethargy
  • Decreased appetite

The American Veterinary Medical Association writes that there are a number of factors that could increase a dog's risk of contracting this illness including those of the short-nose breed, like French Bulldogs. Other dogs at high-risk are very young or very old or have a compromised immune system.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club
Sarah Stier/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club
loading...

What Precautions Should Be Taken To Prevent A Dog's Exposure To This Illness?

Though there is no vaccine at this point to prevent a dog from contracting this illness, veterinarians do maintain that social distancing from other dogs is pretty important presently.

    • Avoid high risk situations for your dog such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and doggy day care facilities if you are unsure about the health status of other dogs in those environments.
    • Don’t share dog bowls, toys or doggy chews between dogs.

You can learn more about Canine Infectious Respiratory Disorder Complex in this article from Cornell University or this from the American Veterinary Medical Association

LOOK: The most popular dog breeds in America

Using the American Kennel Club's 2023 rankings, released on April 9, 2024, Stacker compiled a ranking of the 100 most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

More From KISS Country 93.7