Is There a Mysterious Fatal Dog Illness Spreading in Michigan?

Several states throughout the United States have been reporting a strange illness that is affecting Dogs. It's an unexplained respiratory illness that in some cases has turned out to be fatal.

See Also: What Dog Breeds Are Not Covered Under MI Homeowners Insurance?

What Are the Symptoms That Come With This Mystery Dog Illness?

The infected dogs develop a cough, fever, lethargy, and intermittent loss of appetite. Veterinarians said the undetermined illness has led to hospitalizations and the deaths of older dogs or those with health issues.

Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center:

It seems to happen very, very quickly — to go from this cough that just won’t go away ... and then all of a sudden they develop this pneumonia.

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Is Michigan Seeing Any Cases of the Dog Illness?

While cases have been reported in at least four states, including Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Rhode Island, several other states have reported cases matching the description of the illness. Those states include:

• New Hampshire and the surrounding Northeast area
• California
• Indiana
• Illinois
• Washington
• Idaho
• Georgia
• Florida

So, the good news for Michiganders is that no cases of this mysterious dog illness have been reported in the state... yet. If the illness has already been reported in a dozen states, it's only a matter of time.

What Can You Do to Help Prevent Your Dog From Contracting This Illness?

The number one thing that you can do is make sure that your dog is up to date on its vaccines, especially against respiratory diseases.

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

Unfortunately, there's not much else you can do.