The NCVMA has announced a sudden uptick in canine respiratory cases in our area and other areas of NC and SC. We have also noticed an increase in our practice. Many people call this “kennel cough”, but that is a misnomer. It could be dog park cough, daycare cough, or “visiting the beach with the in-law dogs” cough.Here is what you need to know:1. We recommend people be vigilant in keeping sick dogs at home/ away from other dogs that may show signs of respiratory disease (green or yellow ocular discharge, runny nose, sneezing, cough sometimes ending in a gag).
2. Bring your dog in for medical treatment if he or she has symptoms: seems lethargic, is not eating well, has yellow or green nasal discharge, difficulty or labored breathing, coughing that is keeping you or your pet up at night or is severe.
3. IMPORTANT: If your pet does need to be seen please text us at 336.536.6655 to let us know you’ve arrived and we will let you know when we have a room prepared for you and can enter the building.
4. If your dog isn’t symptomatic, please schedule a time for boosting your pet’s bordetella and flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are in short supply but companies are working on getting more.
5. When your pet will be around other dogs, it is best to update any due or coming due vaccines three weeks prior to the event. This is any contact with other dogs – day care, play dates, grooming baths, trips to stores, and, yes, beach with the in-law dogs.
We don’t have vaccines for all the respiratory pathogens but we do have them for the worst ones.We’ll keep you updated as we learn more information.
As always, let us know if you have any questions.
