Recent media coverage of a “mysterious” respiratory illness in dogs in the United States has created concern with dog owners. While there is always a year-round baseline incidence of dogs with a respiratory infection, spikes in the number of affected dogs occur periodically during a typical year. At this time, it is unclear if the current surge in numbers is part of the expected cycle, is truly larger than expected, or if media coverage has amplified the situation. On this show, Dr. Cynda Crawford, a clinical associate professor of shelter medicine at UF with expertise in infectious diseases in dogs and cats, will provide an update on the current situation and discuss what pet owners most need to be aware of, including when veterinary care is needed.
