It’s that time of year again where we are starting to hear about Upper Respiratory Infections in the community. We have been made aware that some Baltimore and Harford County veterinarians have reported positive test results for the canine pneumovirus. The results include dogs that have visited animal shelters, kennels, dog parks, daycares, veterinarian offices, pet-friendly stores, and even on the NCR and MA & PA walking trails.
Upper Respiratory Infections are contagious and like a cold for dogs that can be spread through airborne particles and can be transmitted through direct contact with other dogs or through items an infected dog has utilized. Young dogs and older dogs as well as dogs that participate in community activities are more prone to exposure and transmission.
Pneumovirus is one of the identified strains of upper respiratory viruses that are currently circulating in our communities, however, there are many viruses that cause upper respiratory symptoms. This strain is not one that is covered by vaccines. Some dogs DO NOT show symptoms but are still carriers of the infection and dogs that show symptoms have typically already had the infection for 4-10 days. That’s why we are asking our clients to please be observant and keep an eye out for any of these symptoms from your dog. If you hear coughing/hacking noises, please notify us immediately and isolate your dog from other dogs until consulting your veterinarian.
Please let your vet know you are aware of canine pneumovirus in our community and make sure you ask that any prescribed treatment cover pneumovirus. We want to ensure our 4-legged guests are in the very best hands.
If your dog is here with us for daycare or boarding and starts to display symptoms of an Upper Respiratory Infection, we will call and ask that they be picked up immediately by your local emergency contact so that we can continue to protect other dogs in our care. If your dog has seen a veterinarian and has been diagnosed with an Upper Respiratory Infection, they will need to go through their treatment of antibiotics and be symptom-free before returning. Thank you for your patience and understanding!