What to Know About Mysterious Illness Affecting Chicago Dogs

Vets are warning pet owners about a novel respiratory illness spreading among dogs in Illinois and other states. The infection is highly contagious, resistant to treatment, and in some cases, has proven to be fatal. Here’s what to know and how to keep your dog safe.

What Are the Symptoms?

Coughing, sneezing, discharge, lethargy, troubled breathing, and blue and purple gums are signs to take your dog to the vet. These symptoms could last for six weeks. 

How Do Dogs Contract the Virus?

The cause of the virus is not yet known, but researchers agree that it is transmitted between dogs. 

That Means You Might Want to Skip the Dog Park …

Owners should consider limiting their dogs’ exposure to other dogs, aka avoiding dog parks, doggy daycare, boarding and grooming facilities, and communal water bowls, a West Loop vet who has seen more than a dozen cases in the last two weeks told FOX32.

As vets look for more effective treatments, make sure your dog is up to date on other vaccines — like for canine influenza, Bordetella, and parainfluenza — to avoid catching a secondary illness.