AUSTIN, Texas — Texans love their dogs: More than four in every 10 households across the state has at least one dog as a pet, according to Pawlicy.
News of the mystery illness that’s been fatal to dogs in 14 states has some veterinary clinics in Texas reporting an upsurge in calls from worried pet owners.
What begins as a cough – sometimes known as kennel cough – eventually gets worse. Some dogs don’t survive. Researchers at one of the state’s largest veterinary medical school at Texas A&M now believe the disease is a virus since it’s not responding to antibiotics.
While no cases have been confirmed in Texas, that doesn’t mean it’s not already here.
“Respiratory diseases in dogs are not reportable diseases,” said Dr. Lori Teller, a Texas A&M Veterinary Medical School faculty member. “So, if I see a dog with symptoms, I don’t have a state department to call and report that I have this many dogs with this many symptoms.”
According to Teller, here’s what to look for if your dog gets sick:
- Coughing that doesn't get better on its own after a week
- Sneezing
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Lethargy
- Trouble breathing
- Blue or purple gums due to not taking in enough oxygen
“Our advice to dog owners right now is to be cautious but don’t freak out," Teller said. “But if you can avoid going to the dog park or to doggy daycare, then certainly do that.”