Dog Safety Alert – Respiratory Outbreak

Dear Pawsitive Clients,

Since this past August of 2023, veterinarians around Oregon state started to see an atypical canine infectious respiratory disease circulating around the Portland metro and Willamette Valley areas. The main clinical symptom resembles kennel cough, mainly a dry honking cough. Kennel cough is caused by a complex of bacteria and viruses that affect the upper airways. However, this respiratory disease is thought to be due to a novel virus and a different type of bacteria. The new strain appears to possibly has 3 main distinguishing features:

Chronic mild to moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6-8 weeks or more) that is minimally responsive to oral antibiotics.
Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.
Acute pneumonia which rapidly becomes severe and can cause mortality in 24-36 hours.

Currently our recommendations are:

Limit your dogs’ exposure to other dogs. Exercise caution in taking your dogs to doggie day care, kennels, dog parks, agility competitions and avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.
Use your groomer with caution, please contact your groomer prior to appointments to discuss sanitation/prevention protocols they have in place.
If you elect to continue visiting daycares, boarding, dog parks and grooming please ensure your pet is vaccinated against Bordetella and Influenza to prevent comorbid infections. These vaccines are not effective for the current unknown illness but may reduce co-infections.
If your pet has any coughing, lethargy or decreased appetite veterinary care should be sought urgently- if we are unavailable, please use our triage line to determine if you should seek emergency care.

This is a link with more information on this outbreak: https://www.oregonvma.org/news/reports-of-severe-canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-in-oregon

We wish your family (pets included) a safe and happy holiday season and as always do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.

Pawsitive Team

To reach our after-hours triage line call Pawsitive Wellness at 541-515-6789 and listen for the option to speak with a Veterinary Professional from Guardian Vet. This service is provided so you can speak with a knowledgeable professional while we are not available. A report of the concerns and discussion will be forwarded to our office, and we will reach out the next business day. If your pet is in true distress and in need of emergency care, please go to the local emergency hospitals.

Cat and Dog Dentist

At Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care, we offer full-service veterinary care focusing on preventative care and regular treatment designed to keep your pet healthy and full of life.

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What Does Dog and Cat Dentistry Involve?

At Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care, all dental procedures are done under anesthesia. That process allows us to offer more complete exams and procedures without danger to the pet.

We offer a variety of dental care options, including:

Pet Basic Dental Exam and Cleaning

We begin by administering anesthesia. We check the teeth above and below the gum line during our basic exam. We look for tooth decay and other oral health issues. The oral exam gives us a complete picture of your pet’s oral health and can help us spot issues such as periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums, and problems that may arise with their teeth.

We also clean your pet’s teeth during the exam. We use specialized tools that work with the shape of dog and cat teeth. We can clean tartar and plaque above and below the gum line without damaging the teeth. Our practicing veterinary team has many years of experience in the dental care of dogs and cats.

Pet Dental Procedures

We offer a range of dental procedures that help to correct oral health problems. A veterinary dental procedure occurs under anesthesia.

Veterinary dentistry is an essential service that acts as a preventative form of medicine and treatment for emergencies and routine oral health problems that may arise due to age.

Pet Oral Health Education

Part of our service to pets and their owners is educating them on how to care for your pet’s mouth, gums, and teeth. We may recommend special diets to address dental issues or show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and care for their oral cavity. We also talk with you about toys and treats and how to use both effectively to help keep your pet’s teeth clean. We can show you how to quickly check their teeth for signs of foreign objects, such as bone fragments, and if teeth are cracked or broken. Oral health for pets is an essential part of prevention. A healthy pet lives longer and enjoys a higher quality of life.

Pet Nutritional Health Guidance

Part of dental health is nutritional health. We help our clients understand the nutritional needs of their pets. When pets have healthy food, they build healthy bodies, including teeth, gums, and soft tissue. Quality food also helps to reduce intestinal issues, which can have a secondary impact on oral health. Are you feeding your cat or dog the correct type of food? Are snacks and treats too high in sugar, fat, or salt? We have options for healthy foods that are still exciting for your pet.

If you need a Eugene vet to care for your dog or cat’s dental needs, turn to the professionals at Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care.