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 Vaccinations

Pets depend on their owners to provide them with good health, and good health starts with vaccinations. Vaccines help to protect or shield your dog or cat from several dangerous diseases that can leave pets fighting for their lives.

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What Shots Do Pets Need?

For Dogs

You want to protect adult dogs and puppies against Kennel Cough and Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, Canine Para-influenza, COVID-19, Rabies, and others. Additionally, you want to ensure your dog has been tested for heartworm infestations and have the heartworm preventative given.

Building a relationship with our vet clinic means we can guide you through the required vaccines, boosters, and any titers your dog may need, from newborn puppies to elderly and precious pets. We help you manage the scheduling of vaccines as needed. Some vaccines are mandatory per county, state, or federal law; when you bring your dog into Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care, we will set you up with a dog vaccine schedule or puppy vaccine schedule. Their vaccine schedule will change throughout their lives.

For Cats

Essential vaccines include protecting your cat from Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis – FVR, Feline Panleukopenia – FP – also known as feline distemper, and Feline Calicivirus FCV. Other concerns for cats include vaccines that protect against Feline Leukemia and Chlamydophila Felis, Feline Immunodeficiency virus, and others.

Pet Vaccination Schedules

It is essential to start the vaccination protocol for your pet early in their life. The vaccination schedule is not always the same. Some pets only need some vaccines, while others may require more. If you have moved to the Eugene, OR, area from another state, discuss that with our vets. Regional localities have different types of vaccine requirements.

Other Tests Provided by Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care

For both dogs and cats, heartworm tests are essential. Our licensed veterinarians take pet care seriously. They will review the core vaccines, whether rabies vaccinations are required, and other tests to help protect dogs from Lyme disease, feline leukemia, or distemper. All of our vets are experienced in cat, kitten, dog, and puppy care. Vaccines help to boost the immune system, and through the series of vaccines, we help improve pet health and protect your family of pets from communicable diseases.

Does Your Pet Have to Have Vaccines?

The choice to vaccinate your pet is primarily up to you. We highly encourage that all pets be vaccinated. Some vaccines, such as those for rabies, are required by law. Vaccines do work to help protect pets from serious diseases and illnesses. Some of the diseases that vaccines help to prevent cannot be cured. That means your pet has a shortened life span and a poorer quality of life.

Do Rescued Dogs and Cats Need Vaccinations?

Pets that have been rescued also need vaccines. Rescues have faced some tough times, and when their medical history is unclear, you might wonder if they need vaccinations. The rule of thumb is that any dog or cat not vaccinated in three years is overdue for their core re-vaccinations. If you have picked up a stray animal from a shelter, they may or may not have administered vaccines. They should let you know about any recent vet procedures, including vaccinations.

If your pet needs an animal hospital in Eugene, then turn to the expert team at Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care. We offer a full-service clinic, including alternative treatments for dogs and cats.