Colorado Springs, CO – A Colorado woman is warning pet owners to keep their dogs at home after losing one of her beloved huskies to a “mutant” respiratory illness. Marie Heckemeyer’s six-year-old dog, Thunder, contracted what was believed to be kennel cough and died after extensive veterinary care on November 6.
Her other dogs, Moose, Denver, and Bronco, all contracted the same virus and they have been struggling to rebound from the devastating illness. Heckemeyer has been publicly posting about her dogs’ struggles on Facebook, with the hope that other pet owners will heed her warning and keep their dogs home from public areas, and safe.
The deadly virus is on the radar of area veterinarians who believe it is a “novel” virus that seems to last longer than typical kennel cough. Dogs impacted by the illness are deteriorating even with veterinary support.
Dr. Amanda Cavanagh at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital commented on the contagious nature of the virus, telling Denver 7 News:
“I would say [there’s been] maybe a 50 percent increase in the number of coughing dogs we detect. We determine these are contagious dogs. They’ve had exposure, and they could pass it on to other dogs.”
The virus is not isolated to Colorado. More than 100 cases have been reported in Oregon and there are so many cases in southern California that San Diego Humane Society has paused the intake of owner-surrendered dogs. Because dogs are frequently transported across state lines, and due to the contagious nature of the virus, the risk of sickness is nationwide.
How can you keep your dogs safe? Avoid public areas, like grooming salons, pet stores, dog daycare, playgroups, boarding facilities, and parks. Ensure pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and watch for concerning symptoms, including coughing, lethargy, lack of appetite, and gagging.
Please spread the word!
Continue reading: ‘Amazing’ Dog Who Knows Many Tricks Ghosted By Owner And Now He Is On ‘Euthanasia List’ For November 15
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I alwaays keep dog and cat in house all time and shame peole hurt dog wow murder
shame on yu
Is this a real thing? Is it confined to a specific part of the country?
It is nationwide
Sorry phone went dead again this is disgusting!!!! I send in thousands of dollars to multiple animal rescue organizations only to find out this dog could not be adopted???? He did so much for the owner God will deal with!!! I am rethinking my decisions to stop giving anything!!!! Why not a no kill shelter???? This is sad think I’m going to withdraw my donations since this is the way good sad dogs are treated!!
I’m not sure what story you meant to comment on. But as to no-kill shelters…most are full. There is simply nowhere to put all of the unwanted, abandoned pets 🙁