A new dog virus is “spreading like fire” in Charlotte

You probably know someone whose dog has been impacted. Or perhaps you’ve had a sick dog recently.

What’s happening: An infectious respiratory disease complex has made its way to Charlotte and surrounding areas.

• Stand for Animals‘ chief medical director Dr. Elizabeth Welch tells Axios when she first heard about the virus, she didn’t think it would spread this quickly.
• “We’re getting somewhere between 25 calls and emails a week about dogs coughing,” Welch said.

Why it matters: People in Charlotte invest heavily in their dogs with grooming services, outdoor parks and even daycare services, which are in high-demand now as workers return to the office. In all of these areas, dogs can easily come into contact with or spread the virus. 

• Most dog destinations are aware of the influenza and request owners keep their dog at home if they notice their pet is sick. But that may be difficult for some those who no longer work remotely.
• We probably don’t realize exactly how many objects our dogs are licking and whom they socialize with. Because of that, “it’s spreading like fire,” Welch said of the virus. 

Zoom in: Skiptown, a dog park and bar that provides canine services such as boarding and grooming in South End, issued a safety update, which they hope will limit the spread of the virus. For instance, they’re requiring all owners to provide updated vaccine information. They’re also sanitizing play areas, kennels, water bowls and leashes throughout the day.

Skiptown has worked closely with its vet partners to stay up-to-date on the latest on the virus, owner and CEO Meggie Williams tells Axios.

• “We’ve been very proactive monitoring for symptoms when dogs get dropped off for services or come to visit the bar, and we’ve had to turn people away and quarantine some daycare and boarding dogs to keep the rest of our pups safe,” Williams said.
• The company is hosting a vaccination event on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 3:30-5:30pm at Skiptown with Petfolk, its veterinary partner. More info is available here.

Symptoms: The most common symptom is a cough, but you should also look for changes in behavior, sneezing, and discharge from the eye and nose.

• Contact your vet immediately if you notice your dog has a consistent cough.

Recovery: The virus is similar to kennel cough, but it takes a lot longer to recover.

• In most cases, kennel cough can resolve on its own in one to two weeks, but this influenza is taking dogs about a week longer to recover and could potentially turn into pneumonia, experts say.
• Antibiotics from a veterinarian can assist if things worsen.

Treatment: Start with prevention, which means getting your dog vaccinated, according to Welch. 

• Viruses can change over time so boosters may not always fight off new strains of diseases, but your dog should have the latest vaccines to boost immunity. 
• The Bordetella vaccination protects your pup from the main bacteria causing kennel cough.
• Welch also suggests keeping your dog at home will aid in a speedy recovery.
• Isolating a sick dog in a household where there are multiple dogs is also important.

The big picture: There has been a shortage of vet clinics across the country, especially in Charlotte.

• Within our area there are only a few emergency veterinary hospitals that operate 24 hours a day.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that a new strain of the canine influenza has recently made its way to Charlotte. This story has been updated to say an infectious respiratory disease complex has made its way to Charlotte.