Seattle, Washington — As the holiday season approaches, pet owners now face a new dilemma. It's all about what to do with your beloved pet while traveling for the holidays.
A potentially deadly new respiratory disease spreading across the United States has reached Western Washington.
victim? our furry friends. Dozens of dogs nationwide have been infected.
“People are understandably concerned since it exploded on social media,” said Seattle Canine Club owner Jose Rodriguez. “People want to know what's going on and what we're doing to prevent it. Many of our customers want to know what's going on and what we're doing to prevent it. We're saying we want to hold back. We're a boarding facility, so since Thanksgiving, our business has really started to suffer.”
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Rodriguez said the day care was fully booked before Thanksgiving.
Currently, its occupancy rate is about 60%, and he worries more customers will start leaving.
“One of the reasons dogs come here is to socialize with other dogs,” Rodriguez said. “I understand why people are concerned, but don't hold back from making your dog happy.”
According to the latest figures, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA); There have now been 16 reports of what is called Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC) across the state. Two of these cases were confirmed, one each in Snohomish and Clark counties.
Of those 16 reports, seven are in King County. Three others were in Spokane County, two in Island County and one each in Clark, Pierce, Skamania and Snohomish counties.
To protect your pet, the WSDA advises:
- Fully vaccinate your pet against all canine respiratory diseases
- Avoid dog group settings
- Keep pets away from sick dogs
- Wash your hands especially if you have been in contact with a sick dog or boarding facility.
- Contact your veterinarian if your dog has symptoms
“If your dog isn't feeling well, has had an illness in the past, or is elderly, it's best to hold off, just to be safe,” he says. “We have enhanced our sanitization procedures just in case, and because of COVID-19, we have introduced new tools such as air nebulizers like those we use for children in every school.”
Symptoms of CIRDC include lethargy, cough, discharge from the nose or eyes, and in more severe cases, signs typically seen in pneumonia. A typical repeat is commonly known as kennel cough. The atypical form first surfaced around August 2023 and has since spread to multiple states, including Oregon and Idaho.
There are no reports of the disease spreading to humans.
