Public Advisory to Dog Owners

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has received multiple reports of dogs in L.A. County experiencing a sudden respiratory illness of unknown origin, similar to case reports in other states. This illness is currently known as:

Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) 

Symptoms of aCIRD include: cough, nasal discharge, sneezing, and lethargy

If your dog is experiencing these symptoms:

1. Contact your pet’s veterinarian so the pet may be evaluated, and, if indicated, the appropriate tests and medications may be provided.

2. Isolate sick dogs at home for a minimum of 28 days past the first day of the onset of illness. Dogs exposed to the sick dog should quarantine at home and away from other dogs for 14 days to monitor them for signs and symptoms of illness.

3. Clean regularly and disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, keyboards, and animal equipment. To disinfect, use an EPA-registered disinfecting product or a stronger bleach solution.

4. Keep the dog home and away from day care, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and dog parks.

5. If a dog becomes ill after being boarded or being in a facility, owners should take it to a veterinarian for evaluation and they should also notify the facility about the illness.

Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health 

For more info, visit: http://ph.lacounty.gov/vet/