Hoosiers concerned about reports of an unusual respiratory illness in dogs cropping up around the country can be proactive in safeguarding the health of their pets, according to a press release.

“Recent and upcoming holiday travel and boarding may generate a spike in cases in the coming weeks and through the end of the year,” said Dr. Melissa Justice, a veterinarian with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH). “Dog owners should be not worried—instead exercise caution and be intentional in protecting the health of their pets.”

BOAH has received reports of cases from veterinarians throughout Indiana, including Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Bloomington and Evansville. Because reporting is voluntary, the agency does not have a way to determine an exact number of cases or distribution within the state.

Justice offers this advice for dog owners:

• Be vigilant in monitoring dogs for signs of illness after boarding, holiday travel or other activities where pets may have commingled with others. If a dog develops a persistent cough or lethargy, a veterinary visit is recommended.

• Make sure dogs are up to date on all of their recommended vaccines, including the distemper combination (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvo), Bordetella, and canine influenza.

• Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs when possible. Just like with other respiratory diseases, dogs that are commingled may be at greater risk for developing illness.

• Keep sick dogs at home whenever possible (unless taking them to a veterinarian for examination or treatment). Social settings carry inherent risks of disease spread.

• Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.

• Be aware that brachycephalic breeds (those with flat faces) seem more susceptible to the negative effects of this illness, so early intervention may be necessary.

Most cases start with a dry, hacking cough that resembles “kennel cough” (formally known as canine infectious respiratory disease or CIRD). When symptomatic therapy for kennel cough fails and the cough lingers beyond the typical seven to 14 days, the pet should return to the veterinarian.

Affected dogs may begin to show signs of lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, productive cough, nasal and/or ocular discharge, respiratory distress, or pneumonia.

BOAH has had one reported case where the affected dog died as a result of this disease progression.

Case reports show all breeds and sizes of dogs may be affected. Some dogs have underlying issues that make them more susceptible to the negative effects of the illness. The specific cause of this unusual illness has not yet been definitively identified.

Dog owners who have concerns about their pets’ health should contact their veterinarian for guidance.