2023 Canine Respiratory Illness: Proactive Measures to Keep Your Pet Safe
Dear Poochie Paws Community,
As we come to the end of another wonderful year serving your pets, we're attuned to the health concerns affecting our beloved dogs. This year, a respiratory illness has emerged, prompting us to reinforce our commitment to your pets' safety. Here's how Poochie Paws is proactively addressing the situation:
Understanding the Respiratory Illness
As of November 29, 2023, 14 states have reported cases of an illness affecting dogs within the US, While the specific details may vary, the common symptom with this illness is a mysterious cough that comes on quickly and lasts for quite a long time. The illness is not well understood and is expected to be caused by a virus or bacteria. There have been some reported fatalities, mostly from dogs that have developed pneumonia. It's crucial to note that prompt veterinary attention is essential for any dog showing signs of respiratory distress.
Mitigation Strategies in Place
At Poochie Paws, we believe in being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to the health of the dogs entrusted to our care. To address the current respiratory illness concern, we've implemented several key mitigation strategies:
Reduced Contact Between Animals:
To minimize the risk of transmission, we have adjusted our grooming and boarding practices to reduce direct contact between dogs. This includes maintaining physical distance during grooming appointments and ensuring that dogs are not in close proximity to each other while in our care.
Spaced-Out Appointments:
We've restructured our scheduling a bit to allow for more time between appointments. This not only ensures that our team can focus on the specific needs of each dog but also helps reduce the potential for cross-contamination between different pets.
Sanitization Protocols:
Our commitment to cleanliness has never been stronger. Workstations and kennels are thoroughly sanitized between each appointment and boarding stay. This includes using pet-safe disinfectants to create an environment that is as germ-free as possible.
Your Dog's Safety is Our Priority
As pet lovers ourselves, we understand the concern that comes with the news of a respiratory illness affecting dogs. Rest assured, Poochie Paws is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for your furry family members. By implementing these mitigation strategies, we aim to not only protect your pets but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community's canine companions.
How You Can Help
While we are taking every precaution to create a safe space for your dogs, we encourage pet owners to stay vigilant. If your dog exhibits any signs of respiratory distress, or you believe they are at risk, please consult your veterinarian promptly. It is important to ensure your dogs are up to date on their vaccines. Avoid groups of dogs from outside of your household (dog parks, shared kennels, shared bowls). Additionally, inform our team of any health concerns your dog may have before their grooming or boarding appointment. If you have an existing appointment and your pet does show unusual symptoms, please contact us so that we can reschedule you for a later date. If we notice unusual symptoms in your pets while they’re under our care, we’ll inform you so that you can take action quickly.
A Shared Commitment
As we end the year, we want to express our gratitude for your trust and support. Together, we can navigate these health challenges and ensure that every dog in our care receives the love, attention, and safety they deserve.
Thank you for continuing to choose Poochie Paws. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@poochiepawsut.com or (801) 782-7077.
Warm regards,
Poochie Paws Team