There are at least 10 common causes of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC or “kennel cough”) that veterinarians and owners deal with, every year. In some months of 2023 in Colorado, there were seemingly more cases with cough lasting longer than normal and more dogs developed pneumonia. Similar reports have been made in several other states and Canada provinces.
Our veterinarians are working on cases at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and are also screening a number of infected dogs in collaboration with the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office. We aim to determine if there is a new cause of the syndrome or whether the cases being seen are just the regular causes of kennel cough that we deal with every year. In September through November, we detected many of the regular causes of the syndrome, but distinct patterns have not yet been identified.
To learn more about what our researchers know about canine respiratory disease and how it’s impacting dogs and pet owners, read the CSU news story.
For up-to-date public health information on canine respiratory disease in Colorado, please visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s canine respiratory disease page.
Information for pet owners
If your dog is experiencing any of the following clinical signs, contact your veterinarian immediately to determine whether a veterinary visit is needed:
- Progressive coughing
- Nasal and/or eye discharge
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
Our Small Animal Emergency and Urgent Care service accepts emergency patients from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week. Please call ahead to help us prepare for your pet’s visit.
Information for veterinarians
If you are a referring veterinarian with an urgent CIRDC case and need a consult, call us at (970) 297-5000 and ask to speak to an urgent care veterinarian.
You should contact the company representative that provides your CIRDC vaccines to determine if your patient qualifies for their vaccine guarantee programs that pay for testing and/or treatment. Our veterinarians can also help you determine the best tests for your patient.
Frequently asked questions
Should I come in if my dog has no signs/symptoms?
There is no need to come in if your dog is not experiencing clinical signs, unless they need CIRDC vaccines. Monitor your dog for clinical signs, including coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or lethargy. If your dog is experiencing any clinical signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Where can I find more information?
- To learn more about what our researchers know about canine respiratory disease and how it’s impacting dogs and pet owners, read the CSU news story.
- For up-to-date public health information on canine respiratory disease in Colorado, please visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s canine respiratory disease page.
What if I think my dog has been exposed?
Monitor your dog for clinical signs, including coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or lethargy. If your dog is experiencing any clinical signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What if my dog is showing clinical signs?
If your dog is experiencing any clinical signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What can I do to keep my dog safe?
- Keep vaccines updated: While the existing vaccines may not specifically target this unknown infection, maintaining overall health through routine vaccinations can help support a dog’s immune system in combating various infections. Optimal protection against common respiratory infections includes the annual intranasal vaccine for Bordetella, Adenovirus 2, and parainfluenza vaccine, combined with the injectable influenza H3N2 vaccine.
- Avoid nose-to-nose contact: For the time being, avoid dog parks and other events where your dog could have contact with other dogs. If boarding, daycare or grooming are required, complete the vaccinations described above before attending. If your dog has signs of respiratory disease, please do not take them to places where they could come in contact with other dogs.
Is this contagious for people?
The regular causes of CIRDC in dogs rarely infect people. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment monitors certain respiratory illnesses in humans, such as RSV, influenza, and COVID-19, and has not linked any reported human respiratory illnesses to ill dogs at this time.
Consult with your doctor if you develop signs of respiratory illness after coming in contact with an ill dog.