North Penn Animal Hospital is aware of concerns for a yet to be identified canine respiratory disease being seen across the country. Canine upper respiratory diseases in general have been on the rise over the last year as the pandemic restrictions lessened and socialization increased. The most common symptoms for respiratory disease are coughing, sneezing/reverse sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, lethargy and fever, with the potential concern of pneumonia.
Canine respiratory diseases are contagious and tend to spread between dogs through airborne respiratory droplets that can be inhaled directly or ingested from contaminated objects like water bowls, kennel surfaces, leashes, collars, and even clothing. The best way to minimize risk for your dog is to reduce activities that promote close contact with other dogs and ensure all dogs are kept up to date on preventative vaccines, including Bordetella and Canine Influenza vaccines.
If your dog does start coughing, don’t panic. Please call our office so we can help determine if an exam or additional testing is needed. If your dog is experiencing lethargy, inappetence or is febrile, do not delay in scheduling an exam. At the time of your pet’s exam, please call the hospital from the parking lot and wait in your car until we are ready to see you.
We will keep you updated on further information as available, but please contact the hospital with further questions or concerns by calling us at 215-855-5853 or via email at clientcare@npah.com.
The doctors of NPAH
11/22/23
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