Canine respiratory disease affects holiday plans for pet owners in western Washington

SEATTLE, Wash. — As the holiday season approaches, pet owners are now faced with a new dilemma: What to do with their beloved pets while traveling for the holidays?

A new respiratory and potentially deadly disease sweeping through the United States has made its way to western Washington.

The victims? Our furry friends. Infecting dozens of dogs all across the country.

“Since exploding on social media, people have been naturally concerned,” Jose Rodriguez, the owner of the Seattle Canine Club, said. “People want to know what is going on and what we are trying to do to prevent it. A lot of our clients say they want to hold back on dog parks, public settings, and boarding facilities. We are a boarding facility, so since Thanksgiving, our business has really started to suffer.”

RELATED: Dog care workers question why SPD never showed up after 911 calls about intruder who wouldn’t leave

Rodriguez said before Thanksgiving bookings for daycare were full.

Now, they are running at about 60%, and he fears more clients will start to back out.

“Part of why dogs come here is to socialize with other dogs,” said Rodriguez. “I understand why people are worried, but don’t hold back on letting your dog be happy.”

According to the latest numbers from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), there have been 16 reports statewide of what is now being called atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). Among those, there have been two confirmed cases, one in each of Snohomish and Clark counties.

Of those 16 reports, seven have been in King County. Another three were in Spokane County, two in Island County, and then one in each of Clark, Pierce, Skamania, and Snohomish counties.

To protect your pets, the WSDA advises the following:

• Fully vaccinating your pets for all canine respiratory diseases
• Avoiding group settings for dogs
• Keeping pets away from sick dogs
• Washing your hands, especially if you’re exposed to sick dogs and/or boarding facilities
• Contacting your vet if your dog is showing symptoms

“If your dog is not feeling well, or had an illness in the past, or if your dog is old, you probably want to hold back just in case,” he said. “We have reinforced our disinfection protocols just in case and have new tools like air foggers thanks to COVID-19 like every school is using for kids.”

CIRDC symptoms include lethargy, coughing, discharge from the nose and/or eyes, and in more serious cases, signs typically seen in pneumonia. The typical iteration is commonly known as kennel cough. The atypical form first surfaced around August of 2023 and has since spread to several states, including Oregon and Idaho.

There have not been any reports of the illness spreading to humans.