The Mystery Dog Illness Decoded: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

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

The ‘Mystery’ Dog Disease: maybe NOT a Mystery?

Hundreds of dogs in as many as 16 states have contracted a mysterious respiratory illness that has spread across the U.S. since August. Some dogs have died as a result.

Veterinarians have been searching for a new pathogen to explain the cause, but many are now suggesting that it is not just one thing, and are calling it ‘atypical kennel cough’.

They claim that it is a combination of more dogs since COVID, the fall/winter weather putting more dogs in a small space, all then contracting a more serious form of kennel cough.

They say that if there was a new pathogen, then hundreds of thousands more dogs would be affected.

But that may not be valid…

A variety of dog breeds have been affected by the illness, which has symptoms are similar to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex, or kennel cough.

That’s a highly contagious respiratory disease, which affects breathing passages and the lungs.

While the illness mimics kennel cough, its symptoms do not diminish with kennel cough treatments. Humans and other pets are not believed to be at risk from the illness.

This is a DIFFERENT Disease

This is different than ANY type of kennel cough outbreak most veterinarians have ever seen. In 20 years of veterinary practice, I never once had a dog that developed pneumonia from kennel cough not responds to antibiotics, and we never had to put one of these dogs on a ventilator.

The illness can progress in three ways

• Mild to moderate cough for six to eight weeks or longer that either doesn’t respond to antibiotics or only responds a little.
• Chronic pneumonia that doesn’t respond to antibiotics.
• Severe pneumonia that often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours.

Mystery dog illness symptoms

• Coughing that doesn’t get better on its own after a week or so
• Sneezing
• Nasal or eye discharge
• Red eyes
• Lethargy
• Trouble breathing, especially from the stomach
• Blue or purple gums (due to not getting enough oxygen)

WHAT should you do?

The mystery illness is a serious concern as it is affecting dogs across multiple states and even in Canada. The severity and lack of response to traditional treatment make it particularly worrisome.

It is essential for dog owners to closely monitor their pets for symptoms of respiratory illness, especially in high-risk environments like daycares or kennels.

I suggest that continuing to be cautious is the best option, avoiding the busy Dog Parks and Doggy Day Cares/Kennels.

What if your dog starts the acute coughing?

Treat as if your dog has Kennel Cough:

1. Honey Cough Recipe: Green Tea 1 cup, Honey 1 tablespoon, Slippery Elm 3 capsules (1200mg), Licorice Root extract 2 ml. Dose of 1 tablespoon/10lbs twice daily
2. Propolis (Bee Glue). This has some new studies showing it to be beneficial for bacterial and viral respiratory disease. Doses of 100mg/10lbs daily.
3. Quercetin. The flavonoid from red onion and apple peel has been shown to be beneficial against many of the common respiratory pathogens- it was even being studied as a treatment for COVID 19.

WHEN to SEE a VETERINARIAN

Monitor for fever, lack of appetite, depression, worsening cough. Prompt veterinary care is crucial if the dog’s condition worsens or becomes acutely severe.

While the mystery dog illness remains a concern, the situation has notably improved compared to just over a month ago. Rest assured, any further developments will be promptly shared, ensuring that pet owners stay informed and prepared to protect their furry companions.