Warning to pet owners as mystery illness causes fatal respiratory condition in dogs across the US

• A canine infectious respiratory disease is widely spreading across Oregon and multiple other states
• The Oregon Department of Agriculture names coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge and lethargy as common symptoms
• Officials recommend not flying with dogs during this holiday season

Veterinarians in multiple states are warning dog owners of a mysterious and potentially fatal respiratory illness that can cause death. 

Cases of this life-threatening disease first emerged in Oregon but quickly spread to Indiana, Illinois, Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada and throughout the Northeast. 

Over 100 cases of the canine disease have been reported in Oregon since August, with a majority being from Portland. 

The Oregon Department of Agriculture names coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge and lethargy as common symptoms of this disease. 

Dogs are most likely to contract the infection by being in close contact with other canines, which includes locations such as daycares, parks, groomers and boarding kennels. 

The ODA noted that the illness can progress in three different ways. 

Either a mild to moderate cough for six to eight weeks or longer that either doesn’t respond to antibiotics or only responds a little; chronic pneumonia that doesn’t respond to antibiotics; or severe pneumonia that ‘often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours.’ 

Dr. Amanda Cavanagh, head of urgent care services at James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital told TODAY.com  she began seeing an increased number of cases of dogs suffering coughs for several weeks or even months. 

While dogs with a contagious cough are common in veterinary settings, Cavanagh noted seeing a decrease over fall as fewer dogs gather at parks, however she says ‘this year, the spike has stayed high.’ 

The ODA advises pet owners to make sure all dogs are up-to-date on all their vaccines, including canine influenza, Bordetella and parainfluenza and to consult with veterinarians for personalized advice before attending any dog events. 

Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center also recommends not traveling with dogs this holiday season, especially on flights,  to avoid exposure. 

Officials also recommend avoiding communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs and having their pet tested with a PCR test if they suspect their dogs have been infected.