Dog Safety Alert – Respiratory Outbreak

Dear Pawsitive Clients,

Since this past August of 2023, veterinarians around Oregon state started to see an atypical canine infectious respiratory disease circulating around the Portland metro and Willamette Valley areas. The main clinical symptom resembles kennel cough, mainly a dry honking cough. Kennel cough is caused by a complex of bacteria and viruses that affect the upper airways. However, this respiratory disease is thought to be due to a novel virus and a different type of bacteria. The new strain appears to possibly has 3 main distinguishing features:

Chronic mild to moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6-8 weeks or more) that is minimally responsive to oral antibiotics.
Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.
Acute pneumonia which rapidly becomes severe and can cause mortality in 24-36 hours.

Currently our recommendations are:

Limit your dogs’ exposure to other dogs. Exercise caution in taking your dogs to doggie day care, kennels, dog parks, agility competitions and avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.
Use your groomer with caution, please contact your groomer prior to appointments to discuss sanitation/prevention protocols they have in place.
If you elect to continue visiting daycares, boarding, dog parks and grooming please ensure your pet is vaccinated against Bordetella and Influenza to prevent comorbid infections. These vaccines are not effective for the current unknown illness but may reduce co-infections.
If your pet has any coughing, lethargy or decreased appetite veterinary care should be sought urgently- if we are unavailable, please use our triage line to determine if you should seek emergency care.

This is a link with more information on this outbreak: https://www.oregonvma.org/news/reports-of-severe-canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-in-oregon

We wish your family (pets included) a safe and happy holiday season and as always do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.

Pawsitive Team

To reach our after-hours triage line call Pawsitive Wellness at 541-515-6789 and listen for the option to speak with a Veterinary Professional from Guardian Vet. This service is provided so you can speak with a knowledgeable professional while we are not available. A report of the concerns and discussion will be forwarded to our office, and we will reach out the next business day. If your pet is in true distress and in need of emergency care, please go to the local emergency hospitals.

Behavior Medicine
for Pet Anxiety

At Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care, we
understand that anxiety can affect the well-being
of your beloved pets.

Request Appointment

Our Services for Dog and Cat Anxiety

Behavior Consultations

Our behavior consultations begin with thoroughly assessing your pet’s anxiety-related issues. Our skilled DVM will work with you to develop a tailored plan that addresses the root causes of your pet’s anxiety, using the most effective treatment methods available.

Nosework Lessons

Nosework lessons are a fun and engaging way to alleviate dog and cat anxiety. These lessons teach your pet to use their natural scent-detection abilities in a constructive and mentally stimulating manner. As your pet learns to focus on scent, they’ll develop increased confidence and a stronger sense of security, reducing their overall anxiety levels.

Pet Training

We collaborate with local positive reinforcement trainers. Our specialized pet training services aim to address the specific behavioral challenges related to dog and cat anxiety. Our compassionate and knowledgeable veterinarians use positive reinforcement techniques to help your pet learn new, desirable behaviors while reducing anxious tendencies.

Medication

In some cases, medication may be recommended as part of your pet’s anxiety treatment plan. Our DVM will carefully evaluate your pet’s needs and prescribe the appropriate medication, ensuring it is integrated effectively with other treatment methods.

Trust Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care for Your Pet’s Anxiety Needs

At Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care, we are dedicated to helping pets in Eugene, OR, overcome dog and cat anxiety through our comprehensive pet behavior medicine services. With our behavior consults, nose work lessons, pet training, and medication options, we strive to provide personalized care that supports the well-being of your furry family member. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your pet’s journey toward a happier, anxiety-free life.