The mysterious dog illness sweeping headlines has landed in Maryland

Driving the news: Cases have spread countrywide during recent months. The illness has been documented in 14 states, including Maryland, according to a statement the American Veterinary Medical Association provided to Axios.

• Affected dogs have shown signs of appetite loss, fever, and lethargy.

The big picture: Pup parents are stressed, says Friendship Hospital for Animals veterinarian Christine Klippen, especially close to the holidays when many are planning to board pets or bring them to packed family get-togethers — ideal breeding grounds for a contagious illness that spreads via respiratory droplets.

• Klippen's had several patients inquire about whether they should cancel pets' grooming appointments or boarding.
• "People really care about their pets, just like they would for children and other family members," she tells Axios. "There's a lot of concern associated with it."

State of play: Maryland officials weren't able to provide Axios with information regarding the specific locations of the state's cases.

• Virginia Veterinary Medical Association executive director Talya George tells Axios she's not aware of any cases in Virginia. The Humane Rescue Alliance told Axios it hasn't seen any D.C. cases, either.
• Klippen says she hasn't seen any cases herself — just the general flu or kennel cough typical of this time of year.

Yes, but: Small Door veterinarian Mike Dugan has seen at his Navy Yard location a recent increase in dogs with respiratory illness — a dense neighborhood with lots of pets in high-rise buildings.

• Dugan's not quite sure what's causing this spike. He says none of the dogs he's recently treated have tested positive for flu or kennel cough, and some aren't responding typically to antibiotics, but he doesn't have enough information to determine whether it's the same affliction reported elsewhere.
• "The most frustrating thing is that everybody would really like to have some solid information," says Dugan, "and we don't have that for them right now."

Be smart: Keep a close eye on your pet if you notice a dry cough or wheezing, says Klippen.

• If more serious concerns arise, think labored breathing, lethargy, or food aversion, take them to the vet.
• Some dogs are especially at risk, such as puppies or senior pets, as well as breeds that already have breathing issues, like French or English bulldogs, pugs, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

What they're saying: Weigh the necessity of taking your pup out and about: "It does become a risk-benefit ratio," says Klippen.

• If possible, avoid bringing your pet to crowded holiday get-togethers, the dog park, boarders, or groomers until there's more information about this disease, says Dugan.
• And maybe rethink any canine-human road trips to areas with reported cases.
• If you absolutely have to board or travel with your pet, make sure they're up to date on their vaccines, adds Dugan.

It also comes down to the responsibility of the fur parent: If your pet has had a cough, quarantine them for two weeks to ensure they don't spread illness to other dogs, says Klippen.

What we're watching: Vets are waiting for more information about this illness and preparing for a potential continued uptick in respiratory issues as the holidays continue.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to add comment from the Humane Rescue Alliance.