A veterinarian from Indiana offers advice on preventing respiratory illnesses in your dogs

Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana vets are offering advice on how to keep your dogs safe as cases of an unknown respiratory infection spread throughout the country.

State veterinarian Dr. Bret Marsh of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health discussed the sickness, warning signs to watch out for, and what you should and shouldn’t do.

These pet safety guidelines were also included in a release from the Board of Animal Health.

• Monitor dogs for signs of illness after boarding, holiday travel, or other activities where pets may have commingled with others. If your dog develops a persistent cough or becomes lethargic, see your vet.
• Make sure dogs are up-to-date on all of their vaccines including the distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvo, Bordetella, and canine influenza.
• Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs when possible. Just like with other respiratory diseases, dogs put together may be at greater risk for developing illness.
• Keep sick dogs at home if possible – aside from taking them to the vet. Social settings carry inherent risks of disease spread.
• Avoid communal water bowls shared by multiple dogs.
• Be aware that breeds with flat faces may be more susceptible to the negative effects of the illness, so early intervention may be necessary.