GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kimberly Dodd, Director of the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory said Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease is common, especially in the winter months.
However, it hasn't been confirmed if the 'mystery dog illness' reported in over a dozen states has been found in Michigan.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease, or CIRDC, is common year-round, with symptoms that Dodd said are caused by a variety of different viruses or bacteria.
"Normally, those infections are pretty short-lived. They usually resolve on their own, if they require antibiotics, they usually respond pretty quickly," Dodd said.
She said reports of an unknown infectious respiratory disease in other states note that it's less responsive to treatment and lasts longer.
"What's different this time around is that there are reports of infectious respiratory disease in dogs that's lasting a bit longer than normal, it's less responsive to antibiotic therapy and in some cases can evolve into a more serious condition like pneumonia that can require hospitalization," Dodd said.
She said there are reports of Canine Respiratory Disease in Michigan, but it's currently unknown if any of them are associated with what she describes as "this more severe syndrome."
She also said that it's not the time for dog owners to panic, but to be vigilant.
"The most important thing for pet owners to know is that if they see clinical signs in their pets (such as) coughing, sneezing, runny noses, and especially if they start to seem a bit quieter than usual, if they're not as hungry as usual, absolutely reach out to your veterinarian," Dodd said.
It's recommended to make sure dogs are vaccinated and to keep them away from other dogs, especially those with an unknown vaccination status. Owners should also watch for symptoms after boarding.
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