New respiratory illness affecting dogs has been reported in Jackson 

FOLLOW UP: Veterinary association shares update on unidentified disease affecting dogs (12/11/23)

JACKSON, Tenn. – Veterinarians began speaking out about this mysterious illness last week, with the illness being reported in several states across the country.

It has been reported Jackson as well.

In late September and early October, the Wagging Tail Resort noticed that a few of their clients weren’t feeling too well.

Owners and workers reached out to the parents and shared that they would be closing for a few weeks to assure the safety of these dogs.

“The vets in town that sent off samples weren’t getting back any confirmation as to a known illness, and so we ended up closing our daycare for about three weeks in mid October. And we have not seen any new cases since that time,” said Chad Carlson, the Owner of Wagging Tail Resort.

This unknown illness has also been affecting other dogs across the US. 

Kurt Williams, a Director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Oregon, has shared that some dogs have even died from this illness.       

Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, green discharge from eyes and noses, and lethargic behavior.

As of now, the cause is unknown. Some vets have reported the illness leading to cases of pneumonia.

“As far as the cause, they didn’t have any information if it was canine influenza and kennel cough. Those were all coming back negative,” Carlson said.

To stop the spread of this illness make sure to wash your hands and keep an eye out on your best friend.

“Some illnesses can be transferred or carried on the person’s clothing and given to their pet on that regard, but certainly, just like with people, a good hand washing and keeping things clean will help with passing things on to your pets,” Carlson said.

If you have noticed that your furry friend has been showing these symptoms, be sure to check with your dog’s vet.

“Take any illness in your pet seriously and be sure to seek medical care if your current vet isn’t able to figure it out,” Carlson said.

Vets are urging that all dog owners make sure their furry friends’ vaccines are up-to-date to help protect them as they work to discover what is causing this mysterious illness.

Owners should keep an extra close eye on dogs that are more prone to respiratory illnesses.

Experts across the country are asking for pet owners not to board their pets during the holiday season to help prevent the spread of this illness.

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