GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Sandra Macedo and her long-haired Dalmatian, Ryder, love documenting their adventures around metro Atlanta.
They've shared trips to Home Depot, local dog parks and more on their TikTok account, @RyderTheDal, with their followers.
"We do a lot of outings," Macedo said. "Anything dog-friendly in Atlanta we're trying to find and share with more people."
Right now, those excursions are looking a little different. Veterinarians across the country are warning of a mystery illness spreading among dogs.
According to TODAY, the illness starts out as a cough that can last for several weeks, but it may not respond to typical treatment, such as antibiotics, which can leave the dog struggling to breathe and with severe pneumonia.
"He's young, he's healthy, but you never know. You don't know how it's going to affect you," Macedo said. "Even though he's up to date on vaccines, if anything were to happen to him, that's a big expense."
Macedo's latest TikTok shows her explaining to Ryder why they're staying away from other dogs at the moment.
"We do some nature walks and do some neighborhood walks, but we are avoiding some contact with dogs," she said. "We're not doing groomers right now... so he's going to be a little scruffy, but that's okay as long as he's safe and healthy."
VCA Animal Hospitals, which treats more than four million pets each year, said various clinics have reported an increase in cases of canine respiratory illness in some states.
"As with any contagious illness, we recommend all dog owners partner with their veterinarian to ensure pets are current on respiratory disease vaccines and limit exposure to other dogs if there is a known outbreak in your area," said Silene St. Bernard, the regional medical director for VCA Animal Hospitals. "If a dog is exhibiting symptoms such as excessive coughing, labored breathing, significant lethargy, or loss of appetite, call your veterinarian immediately."
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends taking many of the same steps as Macedo and Ryder to minimize your pet's risk. Those include:
- Keeping vaccinations up to date
- Limiting time around other dogs
- Reducing time at doggy daycare and boarding facilities
- Considering in-home pet sitters
- Avoiding dog parks, communal water bowls and other public areas