Dogs in over a dozen states have been diagnosed with a respiratory illness, and no one knows much about it.
Symptoms of the illness include lethargy, loss of appetite and coughing. Veterinarians are investigating whether the disease is caused by a bacteria or virus.
Dr. Melissa Thompson is vice president of medical operations for the Arizona Humane Society. She says dog owners don’t need to worry.
“I spoke with the state vet last week, and there was nothing. And actually there was just a memo sent from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association that said that at this point we had zero reported cases,” she said.
Thompson says owners can take precautions, like making sure pets are up to date on their vaccinations.
“You want to try to limit the other dogs that your dog is hanging around with,” she also said. ”Folks shouldn’t be allowing their dogs to share water bowls.”
Thompson recommends visiting a veterinarian if symptoms arise.
