CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An outbreak of upper respiratory infection in dogs has been reported in the Charlotte area.
The infection is one of two diseases: Bordetella known as “kennel cough” or the canine influenza virus “CIV”.
“Sometimes it can be so bad that they’ll actually throw up they’re coughing so much. Generally speaking, it’s non-fatal. So dogs get sick and it easily transmits to other dogs but usually, they’re not going to get so sick that they die,” said Dr. Jay Hreiz with Ebenezer Animal Hospital.
The disease is spread through close contact with infected dogs.
“If you’re boarding your dog frequently. If you’re taking it to dog parks, dog bars, if you’re going to a grooming facility, you should have your dog vaccinated against those things,” he said.
St. Francis and other animal hospitals in our area now requiring dogs be vaccinated. Humans can spread the illness, too.
“We can transmit it to dogs as well. So if they cough on my scrubs or your coat, it can actually transmit to another dog,” Dr. Hreiz warned.
He said, for now, this infection is only hitting dogs and urged pet owners to watch out for the smaller breeds.
“A lot of those dogs sometimes have issues already with their windpipe and trachea with breathing so they may be more prone to significant side effects from it,” he said.
If you worry your dog is coming down with an upper respiratory infection, take them to the vet immediately. Treatment is typically 10-14 days of antibiotics and cough suppressants.
Dr. Hreiz also added if you are boarding your dog or taking it to get groomed, make sure you get the vaccination a week to two weeks beforehand so it's effective.
