The newest strain of canine respiratory infection that has been presenting in some dogs, like most upper respiratory diseases, is an airborne transmissible disease. The cases are presenting with prolonged coughing which can last weeks to months with minimal response to treatment. In some cases, the dogs have progressed to contracting pneumonia and require hospitalization. In rare cases, the canine patients progress quickly from pneumonia to death. 

While some diagnostics have been completed, there has not been any conclusive testing to indicate what may be causing the increased prevalence of this respiratory disease. This does not necessarily mean this is a new or novel virus as there are many causes for canine respiratory infections.

To avoid exposure please keep your dog from close contact with other dogs. Avoid boarding, grooming, daycare or dog park situations. If you aren’t able to avoid daycare or boarding for your pet, ask the facility what their protocol is to address this newly contagious upper respiratory virus.  You can also update your dog on the Bordetella vaccine. However, there is no proof these vaccines prevent the newest strain of canine upper respiratory infection.  You can opt to vaccinate them to offer some possible level of protection. Your pet must be current on their wellness exam to receive any vaccine at our clinic.

EXAMS FOR DOGS PRESENTING WITH UPPER RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS

Any dogs presenting for upper respiratory symptoms will be examined curbside.  To prevent any possibly of contamination in our exam rooms or lobby.  When making an appointment please let a receptionist know if your pet is experiencing coughing, hacking, or nasal discharge.

SURGERY PATIENTS

We are asking that all surgery patients to avoid boarding, grooming, daycare or dog park situations for 7 days BEFORE their scheduled procedure.

APPOINTMENT PROTOCOL

Due to the limited space of our clinic. We have decided to take a more fear free approach for your pet's experience. Instead of having multiple pets in our waiting area. We are asking that client check in curbside. When we are ready for you we will wave you into the appointment. This will alleviate the possibility of unwanted pet contact or fear from the close proximity of another pet.

• You must arrive no more than 10 minutes late for an appointment. This does not apply if we are running behind on our schedule. Your appointment may need to be rescheduled or converted to a curbside appointment.
• Clients waiting on procedures, lab results, or appointment times that might overlap into the next, may be asked to wait in the lobby or in their vehicle.