Dog owners in Long Beach are being called to action as reports of increased cases of acute respiratory infections in canines are making headlines. Veterinarians across California are on alert, encountering not just the typical sniffles but cases severe enough to lead to life-threatening pneumonia. In one of those troubling instances, pets are coming down with illnesses that don't even respond to the usual antibiotics, and diagnostic tests for common dog bugs are coming up empty.
According to Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS), they are still trying to figure out if a novel pathogen is to blame or if this is a case of the known Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). They have noted that certain locations might be hotspots due to an infected puppy that doesn't show symptoms itself but spreads the disease at places like dog parks or daycare centers.
With the holiday cheer at the doorstep, where social gatherings can mean more exposure for pets, LBACS isn't pulling punches on the advice. "Segregate dogs with respiratory signs from other dogs," and "visit your veterinarian when respiratory distress symptoms appear, such as excessive sneezing or coughing," are just some of the guidelines by the LBACS. Prevention is key, stressed LBACS, advocating for keeping vaccinations against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza, as well as CIRDC, up to date.
Concerned pet parents can find out more or seek advice by emailing [email protected] or giving a ring at 562.570.7387. For the media, Jane Grobaty of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Marine can be reached at [email protected] or a more direct line at 562.570.3233.
