Lincoln Animal Control monitoring a mystery dog illness

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – An illness that causes lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia is infecting dogs in several states, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said.

Animal health officials are investigating the cause of the antibiotic-resistant illness, which has sickened dogs in several states, including Oregon, Colorado and New Hampshire.

“Periodic outbreaks of respiratory disease in dogs do occur and are caused by different types of bacteria and viruses,” Dr. J. Dustin Loy, a veterinarian on the Lancaster County Board of Health, said in a press release. “It’s still unknown if these reports represent something new. Local veterinarians are actively engaged and we’re watching for this in our community.”

The disease is transmitted through respiratory droplets, according to experts, meaning it can be more likely if there are multiple dogs in one area.

Officials said some cases of the pneumonia progressed rapidly enough to make dogs severely ill within 24 to 36 hours.

“This is an evolving situation,” Steve Beal, manager of Lincoln Animal Control. “We want to keep dog owners informed of the latest developments and aware of basic steps they can take to protect their pet from respiratory illnesses.”

Steps to keep your dog safe include:

• Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines
• Reduce contact with large numbers of dogs
• Reduce contact with sick dogs
• Avoid shared water bowls

Health officials said signs of respiratory illness  — including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fatigue and rapid or labored breathing — should be taken seriously.

They advise pet owners to contact a veterinarian.