All The Right Questions

Folks, we are in some uncertain times right now. We’re all a little frustrated about the amount of information available on this Mystery Canine Respiratory Disease. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of the facts we do have.

The news media isn’t a great source of data on this situation; better to open a dialogue with your vet. “What’s the best way for me to keep my dog safe right now?” is a great question to ask. You’re going to get some very familiar-sounding advice. Don’t gather dogs in groups, especially indoors and particularly for superficial reasons. Keep them from touching each other and from sharing any play items like sticks and toys. Hunker down.

DON’T ask: “Can I get him vaccinated (or tested) for this new respiratory illness?” These items have not been invented.

DO ask: “Should I get him vaccinated for the other respiratory diseases of dogs?” It’s much easier to recover from one new airway bug if you’re not already battling three old ones. All those airway germs hang out together because they spread the same way, so it’s really easy to catch more than one at a time.

DO ask: What the practice protocol is for coughing dogs who need to visit the vet. Each clinic will have their own way of dealing with potentially contagious patients. Get the instructions by phone, BEFORE entering the building. In general, it’s best to keep any coughing dog away from all other dogs for at least 2 weeks AFTER the hacking winds down.

DON’T ask: To have your otherwise healthy dog moved to the front of the line at the clinic because he has coughed a few times. Going to the doctor as early as possible will not provide extra protection. On the other hand, your pet does need to see a veterinarian if he is acting “ill” with his cough (i.e., loss of appetite and/or energy, any difficulty breathing). If your pet is acting and eating well but can’t get any rest due to nuisance coughing, call your vet’s appointment desk for advice. Be sure to call your doctor promptly if your pet is coughing because of pre-existing heart disease, as this issue usually can not wait.

DO ask: “Can my dog to go to the groomer?” Your doctor’s answer will depend on your geographical location, the severity of his hair situation, and his profile of respiratory/immune risk factors. For some animals, grooming visits are a cosmetic pursuit; for others, it is absolutely essential for their quality of life.

DON’T ask: For antibiotics. They are not that helpful for nuisance coughing, and they don’t prevent mild cases from turning more severe. The more antibiotics we use today, the less effective those drugs will be tomorrow.

DO ask: “How can my dog get his play time in?” Your health care team will explain how to create a small socialization bubble. Each playmate promises not to interact with any dogs outside the bubble, even if they appear totally healthy.

If there is an unfamiliar respiratory pathogen out there, it’s too new to even have a name yet...but that really doesn’t matter. The guidelines for safeguarding your dog from contagion have always been the same.

Dr. M.S. Regan