As Fatal Dog Disease Sweeps the U.S., Here's What Owners Are Doing About It

In the midst of a mysterious respiratory illness spreading among dogs in North America, pet owners are resorting to unprecedented measures to safeguard their beloved companions.

As reports of the illness leave officials and researchers grappling to discover its origin, severity, and potential for further spread, devoted dog owners have shared their reasons for isolating their pets with Newsweek.

"My husband and I are keeping her away from dog parks for the time being because we don't want her to get sick," Katie Wolhowe, who lives in Minnesota with two-year-old German shepherd and Rottweiler mix, Venus, told Newsweek. "She is our furry family member and like a child to us, and we don't want any harm done to her. We also want to reduce further spread of the virus."

Via Alam, who lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Mia, is also taking precautionary steps amid increasing reports of the mystery illness. "I'm just not letting my dog go to the dog park or meet other dogs to protect her just in case," she told Newsweek.

Experts are recommending dog owners curtail their pets' socializing with unknown animals, echoing the cautionary measures implemented during the last three years since the COVID-19 outbreak in humans.

"If you live in one of the regions where there has been a rise in this unknown respiratory illness, I would plan to keep my dog from socializing with other dogs," Dr. Jamie Freyer from Veterinarians.org told Newsweek. She emphasized avoiding contact with other dogs during walks and being cautious about shared items like communal bowls. Despite the contagious nature of the disease, Dr. Freyer said that the mortality rate appeared to be lower than that of COVID-19.

The illness first surfaced in Oregon in August, gradually increasing in incidence, although local dog medics told Newsweek this month that there was little evidence of a widespread outbreak. Anecdotal reports had been circulating nationally as far back as a year earlier.

Elisa lives in San Francisco with her 13-year-old Shih Tzu, Oreo. She is taking particular precautions to keep the senior dog safe.

"It's scary not knowing where the virus can come from," she told Newsweek. "The stories I've heard about dogs getting pneumonia are terrifying considering Oreo's old age."

According to Dr. Athena Gaffud from Veterinarians.org, safeguarding pets goes beyond isolation.

"Pet owners can keep their pets safe by making sure their pets are vaccinated against common infectious diseases in the area," Gaffud said.

"Keeping their immune system strong with proper nutrition and supplements would also help to ward off infections. If there is a reported flu epidemic or other diseases in your area, it is advisable to keep your dogs indoors to prevent possible infection."

Jules Dahbura is from New York City and is also keeping her two dogs, Benny and Remy, away from others after a harrowing experience.

Benny, a medium-sized mix breed, exhibited only brief symptoms, but Remy, an 11-year-old boxer/shepherd mix, spiraled into a critical condition of acute pneumonia and a high fever.

The severity of Remy's illness left him unable to walk and on the verge of death. Despite the emergency veterinary care that ultimately led to his full recovery, the cause of the illness remained elusive.

Distraught by the uncertainty, Jules and her family made the difficult decision to cease visits to dog parks for Remy, emphasizing the emotional toll such an experience takes on both the pet and its owners.

"We've stopped this fall as he can pass anything to our older dog," Jules told Newsweek, highlighting the challenging balance between maintaining a semblance of normalcy for their younger dog and keeping Remy safe.