Mystery dog illness UPDATE: New Treatment Options

The unnamed respiratory illness in dogs is spreading further, with many people reporting it in several U.S. states, and likely in Canada.

The underlying cause is…??

So that being said, it is a GREAT idea to do what you can to keep your dog healthy with immune supportive products such as:

* Antioxidants

* Colostrum

* Probiotics

* Immune supportive Mushrooms

* Essential Fatty Acids

All of these ingredients are in increased levels for Dogs in our ADVANCED formulas.

Dr Jones’ Ultimate Canine ADVANCED PLUS Health Formula

14 states now have reported cases of the respiratory illness affecting dogs.

Mystery Dog Illness UPDATE: it is Spreading

This ‘mystery dog illness’ which starts with a cough, and can rapidly proceed to serious pneumonia, is now been reported in 14 U.S. states, but based on our last video on the disease, it is likely in many more.

Cases have been reported in14 U.S. states stretching from Florida to California and the cause of the mysterious illness remained under investigation.

Confirmed cases are in these U.S. states:

• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington

Mystery dog illness 2023

Dogs with this mystery illness usually have coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, are abnormally tired, and do not test positive for any of the common causes of respiratory illness.

Dogs are most likely to contract the infection by being in close contact with numerous other dogs — so places like day care, dog parks, groomers or boarding kennels.

The illness can progress in three ways:

• A 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
• Symptoms of the mystery dog illness include:
• Coughing that doesn’t get better on its own after a week or so
• Sneezing
• Nasal or eye discharge
• Lethargy
• Trouble breathing, especially from the stomach
• Blue or purple gums (due to not getting enough oxygen)

Dr Jones comments/ New Treatment Options

It is a contagious respiratory disease, and seems to be spreading fast.

It sounds like a new infectious virus, and that would explain the lack of response to antibiotics – YET some dogs have responded to an older antibiotic (chloramphenicol).

So what can you do?

I agree with being extra cautious now until we know what it is and can treat it.

• Avoid kennel if you can.
• Delay the groomer for a while, or get your dog in to a groomer that can separate the dogs.
• When walking your dog, go during quieter times, avoiding busy dog park times.
• IF your dog starts coughing, don’t treat it lightly, especially if you live in some of the affected areas.
• Immediately start with some natural anti-cough, and anti-viral remedies.

NEW Antibiotic Treatment

A subscriber on Youtube shared her story about her dog contracting this disease, and he was treated. The dog’s name is Ike, and he is a top ranked Golden Retriever in the U.S.

He had a cough for 2 weeks before being brought into a kennel by his handler (he was away at Dog Shows).

He was on oxygen for 9 days at the veterinary clinic, having pneumonia.

He finally responded to this old antibiotic called Chloramphenicol. It is a very broad spectrum antibiotic, but was being phased out of use when I 1st started in practice as one of the side effects is aplastic anemia.

Fortunately the side effect is not common in dogs.

It is a very broad spectrum antibiotic working on anaerobic bacteria, Rickettsia, and it may even have anti-protozoan qualities. This is not a drug that would be normally used, and based on potential side effects, it would be considered a drug of ‘last resort’.

BUT If you have a dog in a veterinary hospital with this disease, please share this with your veterinarian. I would definitely be using it if my own dog was affected.

NEW Natural Remedies

1. Olive Leaf Extract – This is from the leaves of the olive tree, and it has documented antibacterial, and anti-viral properties. Has been helpful for cold and flu. Dog dose of 100mg/10lbs daily.

2. Colloidal Silver – this is microscopic particles of silver suspended in ionized water. Many dog parents find it to be helpful for respiratory disease. Suggested dose of 1/4 teaspoon/20lbs twice daily.

3. Panacur (fenbendazole) – This is the old dewormer that we discussed as an alternative cancer remedy. A recent paper reported that as it is a microtubule destabilizer, it also has antiviral properties, so worth considering. Dog doses of 50mg/kg so 5ml(1 teaspoon) per 20lbs daily of the liquid Panacur.

4. Honey/Green Tea/Slippery Elm – A great all around anti-cough remedy that I use on myself, and my dog! – 1 cup of green tea, 1 tablespoon of dark, unpasteurized honey, 4, 400mg capsules of Slippery Elm. Dose it at 1/4 cup/25lbs twice day. The honey is anti-cough, antibacterial and antiviral. Green Tea has antibacterial/antiviral properties. The Slippery Elm is great for cough soothing the throat.

5. Simple Cough Remedy – Honey/Lemon and Water. 2 tablespoons of dark honey, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1 cup of warm water. Dog dose at 2 tablespoons/25lbs 4 times/day.

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew

P.S. Scary times – do what you can to prevent your dog from getting this, such as avoiding the kennel/daycare/dog parks for now.

P.P.S. Consider a supplement with immune supportive products to potentially help your dog.

We have added in increased levels of Antioxidants, Essential Fatty Acids, Probiotics, and Colostrum for Dogs in our ADVANCED formulas:

Dr Jones’ Ultimate Canine ADVANCED PLUS Health Formula