The veterinary field continues to evolve, and staying informed about new science and emerging health risks is key to ensuring your dog’s well-being. During our March Ask the Veterinarian session, Dr. Lisa Boyer of Animal Health Consultants shared the latest updates in canine science, including avian influenza concerns, the ongoing canine respiratory disease outbreak, promising new medications, and updated vaccination recommendations.
Avian Influenza and Its Impact on Pets
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has made its way into New England, with several cases reported in cats. While dogs appear to be at lower risk than cats, Dr. Boyer cautions against feeding raw diets or unpasteurized dairy, as the virus can spread through contaminated food sources. If your dog consumes raw meat from an infected bird or drinks unpasteurized milk, the risk increases. Cooking pet food eliminates this concern, and Dr. Boyer strongly advises dog owners to take this precaution.
Symptoms of avian flu in pets resemble those of other respiratory infections, including fever, lethargy, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. However, the disease is particularly dangerous because it can cause neurological symptoms such as seizures and loss of coordination. Once these signs appear, the disease is often fatal. While transmission to humans is rare, pet owners should wash their hands after handling animals and avoid contact with wild birds to minimize risk.
Canine Respiratory Disease: What’s New?
Over the past two years, canine respiratory illness has been a growing concern. While cases of severe pneumonia have declined from previous outbreaks, Dr. Boyer warns that infectious respiratory diseases remain a threat. Formerly called kennel cough, the condition now falls under the broader term Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD). More than 20 different viruses and bacteria contribute to CIRD, making prevention and treatment complex.
Dogs with mild symptoms, such as a persistent dry cough, watery eyes, and a normal appetite, typically recover on their own within two weeks. However, antibiotics like doxycycline, often overprescribed for respiratory infections, do not treat viral illnesses. Overuse of antibiotics can also contribute to resistance, reducing their effectiveness when truly needed. If a dog remains active and eats normally, supportive care—including hydration, steam from a humidifier, and rest—may be the best approach.
More serious cases require veterinary attention. If a dog develops a raspy cough, fever, extreme lethargy, or difficulty breathing, prompt evaluation is crucial. Infections that progress to pneumonia can become life-threatening. Prevention remains the best defense, and Dr. Boyer stresses the importance of vaccinations, especially for Bordetella, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza. Dogs that frequently interact with other dogs, such as those attending daycare or boarding facilities, may benefit from Bordetella vaccines every six months rather than annually.
New Veterinary Treatments on the Horizon
Exciting advancements in veterinary medicine are emerging, including Loyal, a drug currently under development to extend the lifespan of aging dogs. Designed for senior dogs over 10 years old and larger breeds over seven years old, this medication aims to slow the metabolic processes that contribute to aging. While it is still undergoing FDA approval, Dr. Boyer notes that the concept of targeting aging itself could lead to breakthroughs in longevity for pets.
Another significant development is Librela, an injectable treatment for osteoarthritis. Unlike traditional pain medications, Librela is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the nerve growth factor responsible for pain. While some dogs experience remarkable improvement, Dr. Boyer urges careful screening before use. Dogs with neurological conditions or muscle weakness may not be ideal candidates, and some pet owners have reported side effects, including temporary urinary issues, lethargy, and loss of coordination. However, for dogs suffering from severe arthritis, Librela has provided a renewed quality of life, making it a worthwhile option for those struggling with chronic pain.
Updated Vaccination Guidelines
The American Veterinary Medical Association has revised its core vaccine recommendations, adding Leptospirosis to the list alongside Distemper, Parvovirus, and Rabies. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread through wildlife urine, has become increasingly common in urban and suburban areas. Dogs contract the infection by licking contaminated puddles or walking through wet areas where infected animals have urinated.
Symptoms of Leptospirosis include vomiting, fever, and kidney failure, and the disease can be fatal if left untreated. Even when caught early, it can cause lasting kidney damage. Unlike the older Lepto vaccines, which were associated with higher rates of side effects, today’s formulations are much safer. Dr. Boyer recommends vaccinating all dogs, particularly in areas like New England where cases have increased. While the vaccine requires an annual booster, the protection it provides outweighs the risks.
Lyme disease also remains a major threat in New England, with cases rising each year. While many pet owners rely on flea and tick preventatives, no medication prevents tick bites entirely. Dr. Boyer strongly advises vaccinating against Lyme, as reinfection is common even in dogs that have already been exposed.
The Growing Concern of Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks carry more than just Lyme disease, and additional tick-borne illnesses are becoming more prevalent in New England. Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Babesia are among the diseases now appearing in the region. Some, like Babesia, can cause severe anemia, while others, like Ehrlichia, may go unnoticed until they reach an advanced stage. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, once rare in the Northeast, has also surfaced in recent cases.
Prevention remains the best strategy. Year-round tick control is now recommended due to milder winters that allow ticks to remain active. Dr. Boyer suggests oral preventatives like Simparica Trio or NexGard, which kill ticks more effectively than traditional topical treatments. She also warns that topical treatments can harm the environment, as their pesticides wash off into waterways when dogs swim. While no prevention is 100% effective, combining tick control with regular tick checks significantly reduces the risk of disease.
Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, and staying informed about new developments helps pet guardians make the best decisions for their dogs. Avoiding raw food during the avian flu outbreak, recognizing the difference between mild and serious respiratory illness, considering new arthritis treatments carefully, and staying up to date on vaccinations are all crucial steps in protecting canine companions.
Dr. Boyer encourages owners to trust their instincts. If a dog suddenly exhibits unusual behavior, reduced appetite, or prolonged lethargy, scheduling a veterinary visit can provide answers before an issue becomes serious. Early detection is key in managing many illnesses, and keeping up with advancements in veterinary science ensures that dogs receive the best possible care.
Golden Dog Club members, to watch a replay of the video presentation, visit the Online Library.
