Canine respiratory illness (CRI), is a respiratory sickness that resembles canine infectious respiratory diseases complex (kennel cough). However, CRI cannot be treated with kennel cough medications, and it may lead to pneumonia and potentially life-threatening situations for dogs. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but researchers believe that it may be linked to an infectious organism known to cause disease in a host.
Symptoms of Canine Respiratory Illness
It’s imperative to seek veterinary attention the moment you notice your dog displaying symptoms of CRI. Early intervention is key to mitigating more devastating outcomes. The common symptoms of CRI include:
- Trouble breathing and/or wheezing
- Eye and/or nasal discharge
- Fever and lethargy
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
- Dehydration
How Canine Respiratory Illness Spreads
Studies suggest that CRI is solely dangerous to dogs and cannot be contracted by humans or other household pets. However, amongst dogs it is highly contagious, spreading at a rapid rate. CRI is believed to spread when a dog comes in close contact with another dog with CRI.
Ways To Protect Your Dog From Canine Respiratory Illness
As pet owners, keeping our dogs healthy and safe is paramount. While CRI is running rampant across the Nation, there are ways to protect your dog. We recommend the following:
Refrain from visiting dog parks
- Avoid boarding your pet and if you must board them, choose a kennel with a limited number of dogs.
- Visit your veterinarian to get your dog up-to-date on all their vaccinations.
- Monitor your dog to detect symptoms of CRI the moment they appear.
Canine respiratory illness is frightening, but with a little extra preparation, you can keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy. For more information, contact your trusted veterinarian today.