Mystery Dog Illness: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Pet

The mystery respiratory disease in dogs may not be a mystery claim many veterinarians, yet some young and healthy dogs died from it.

The underlying cause has yet to be identified, but it very well could be bacterial/viral/ mycoplasma…

Quercetin has been extensively studied for respiratory infections (such as COVID 19). It’s probably a good idea to have some of it on hand.

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The ‘Mystery’ Dog Disease: Still Here?

In 2023, hundreds of dogs across as many as 16 states contracted a mysterious respiratory illness that started spreading in the U.S. around August. Sadly, some dogs succumbed to this illness. By 2024, the number of cases had decreased, but veterinarians still see instances of this atypical “kennel cough."

Veterinarians have been on a mission to identify the pathogen responsible. However, it seems there may not be just one culprit. Now, many are referring to this condition as “aCIRD" or Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, indicating that it could involve multiple factors.

If there was a new pathogen causing the disease, experts argue, we would likely see hundreds of thousands of dogs being affected. But it’s more complex than that.

The Nature of the Illness

The illness affected a variety of dog breeds, and its symptoms are similar to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), commonly known as kennel cough. This highly contagious respiratory disease affects the breathing passages and lungs. While it mimics kennel cough, its symptoms often do not improve with typical treatments. Humans and other pets are not believed to be at risk.

This was a different disease. As a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience, I can say this was unlike any outbreak of kennel cough I had ever seen. I never once encountered a case of kennel cough where a dog developed pneumonia that didn’t respond to antibiotics, nor did I have to put a dog on a ventilator for it.

How the Illness Progresses

The illness can progress in three ways:

1. Mild to Moderate Cough: Lasts for six to eight weeks or longer and doesn’t fully respond to antibiotics.
2. Chronic Pneumonia: Shows no improvement with antibiotic treatment.
3. Severe Pneumonia: Can lead to poor outcomes within 24 to 36 hours.

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Signs to Watch For

Here are the common symptoms of this mystery illness:

• Persistent coughing that doesn’t get better on its own after a week or so
• Sneezing
• Nasal or eye discharge
• Red eyes
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing, particularly involving the stomach
• Blue or purple gums (a sign of insufficient oxygen)

What Should You Do?

? Consider Alternative Treatments: Alternative options like Honey, Slippery Elm, Propolis, Colloidal Silver, and Quercetin are being explored by some dog owners. These remedies may provide relief, although their effectiveness is still not fully established.

?? Monitor Closely: If your dog is in high-risk environments like daycare or kennels, it’s essential to monitor for symptoms of respiratory illness.

If Your Dog Starts Coughing

If your dog begins to show signs of acute coughing, treat it as though it’s kennel cough:

1. Honey Cough Recipe:

   • Green Tea (1 cup)
   • Honey (1 tablespoon)
   • Slippery Elm (3 capsules, 1200mg total)
   • Licorice Root Extract (2 ml)
   • Dose: 1 tablespoon per 10 lbs, twice daily

2. Propolis (Bee Glue):

   • Recent studies suggest Propolis may help in bacterial and viral respiratory diseases.
   • Dose: 100 mg per 10 lbs daily

3. Quercetin:

   • This flavonoid from red onion and apple peel has shown benefits against many common respiratory pathogens and was even studied as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
   • Dose: Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE BioActive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats – 50 mg per 15 lbs daily

When to See a Veterinarian

Prompt veterinary care is essential if your dog’s symptoms worsen, including:

• Persistent fever
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Worsening cough

As cases have dropped, it seems there may be better treatments available, and possibly some immunity building within the dog population. However, as cooler weather approaches, more cases could emerge. If my dog, Tula, were to start coughing, I would definitely get her on some Quercetin. Our whole-plant bioactive Quercetin supplement has been helpful for many dog parents, and it’s great not just for respiratory support, but also for itching issues.

P.S. Our new EXTRA STRENGTH supplement is here: Dr. Jones’ EXTRA STRENGTH Bioavailable Quercetin. Many dog parents have found it very beneficial, especially during these uncertain times.