As an expert in veterinary medicine, I have been closely following the recent outbreak of a mysterious disease in dogs. While research is still ongoing, it is clear that this virus is highly contagious and can be fatal for our beloved canine companions. As a result, veterinarians are taking a more proactive approach to treating and preventing the spread of this disease. One of the most concerning aspects of this new dog virus is how quickly it can worsen. In some cases, dogs can go from showing no symptoms to being critically ill within a matter of hours.
This rapid progression has led veterinarians to take immediate action in treating infected dogs. Traditionally, antitussives (cough suppressants) were the go-to treatment for respiratory illnesses in dogs. However, with this new virus, vets are now recommending starting infected dogs on antibiotics right away. This is a significant shift in treatment protocol, as it shows just how serious and contagious this disease is. But what about healthy dogs who may come into contact with an infected dog? According to Dr. Ehnert, a veterinarian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, if you have a play date with a dog who is not showing any signs of the disease, there is likely no cause for concern.
However, it is always better to err on the side of caution and monitor your dog for any symptoms after potential exposure.
