Animal Control Monitoring Dog Illnesses Spreading in Other States

Published on November 21, 2023

Lincoln Animal Control and its veterinary partners are monitoring an unusual respiratory illness that has sickened dogs in several states including Colorado, Oregon and New Hampshire.

Animal health officials are currently investigating to determine the cause. They say the illness is causing lasting respiratory disease and pneumonia and doesn’t respond to antibiotics. Some cases of pneumonia have progressed rapidly making the dog severely ill within 24 to 36 hours.  

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

“This is an evolving situation. 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,” said Steve Beal, Animal Control Manager.

Transmission of respiratory disease in dogs occurs through respiratory droplets and can be more likely if there are multiple dogs in one area, according to experts.

Basic precautions to protect dogs from respiratory illness include:

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

If you think your dog is showing signs of a respiratory illness like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, tiredness, rapid or labored breathing, contact a veterinarian.