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Wave of canine respiratory illness hits dog day cares, parks


Dogs at Friends of Toto day care center in Pawtucket, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (WJAR)
Dogs at Friends of Toto day care center in Pawtucket, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. (WJAR)
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A canine respiratory illness is making dogs sick at several businesses that board and babysit pets.

Friends of Toto in Pawtucket is just one of the dog day cares feeling the effects of this illness, which many are calling kennel cough.

The difference is some are seeing the illness cause pneumonia in their dogs.

Friends of Toto co-owner Bob Wheeler said they are at the tailend of the spread of this respiratory illness.

“The downside is or the challenge is that when they start showing symptoms, chances are the damage has already been done, so keeping it out is definitely an uphill battle,” said Wheeler.

Wheeler said they were making four to five calls a day, at the peak of the illness, telling owners to pick up their dogs after they noticed coughing in some canines.

Other reported symptoms include runny nose and difficulty breathing.

Rhode Island state veterinarian Scott Marshall has gotten a few calls about the illness, which has been hard to pin down.

“Kennel cough is often diagnosed as given, but when a veterinarian tells you it's kennel cough, they're saying it could be one of several things,” said Marshall. “It could be canine parainfluenza, could be a canine adenovirus or Bordetella, could be several of those agents combining at once.”

Marshall said most of these cases in the state are so mild that people aren't pursuing additional diagnosis.

“It’s not like this new disease that’s out there and people need to be scared about," said Marshall. "Just normal precautions, make sure your pets are properly vaccinated, and limit exposure to sick animals.”

Wheeler said it is important to keep sick dogs at home, to protect other dogs, especially breeds more prone to respiratory issues.

“If you're ever concerned or not sure, call your vet,” said Wheeler.

Experts say keeping sick dogs away from dog day care facilities and dog parks, is just one way to help stop the spread and protect your pooch.

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