Paws for Prevention: Approachable Biosecurity Measures to Prevent Canine Respiratory Diseases
December 29, 2023

By the Neogen® Veterinary Staff
There has been recent media attention to a cluster of respiratory diseases in dogs caused by a currently undetermined pathogen. While neither the cause nor the extent of this outbreak is known at this time, the news does highlight for us that respiratory disease remains an important concern not just for ourselves but for our family pets as well. It is common that we become very diligent about biosecurity for a brief time after these sorts of news stories emerge, only to become complacent and ignore some simple steps for prevention as the memory of these outbreaks fade. For biosecurity to be effective in preventing outbreaks and protecting our family pets, we need to practice basic biosecurity as everyday measures and as not emergency responses.
Biosecurity for respiratory diseases must address all the ways in which respiratory disease can be spread. Limiting contact with other pets of unknown health status is important. Swapping out dog park visits for playdates with known friends is one way to maintain an active social life for your pet without exposing them to potentially sick animals, assuming the friends are also practicing good biosecurity with their pets. Obviously, some dogs have jobs or hobbies that mandate they are in contact with other animals on a routine basis, so for those animals, be very observant for early respiratory signs such as coughing so you can quickly isolate them and seek treatment. Be sure to play your part in keeping a healthy community by not bringing coughing or sneezing pets to the dog park until a veterinarian has determined it is safe to do so. Bring your own water and bowl to public places as watering areas are easily contaminated and can harbor pathogens that cause disease for a long time. Keep your pets up to date on vaccines and regular medical care. Wash and disinfect surfaces that your pets commonly encounter such as crates, floors, food bowls, and water bowls. Routinely wash bedding, and even consider washing shared toys if possible.
Biosecurity doesn’t need to be hazmat suits and inflatable bubbles to be effective. Approaching your day-to-day activities with the basics of limiting exposure to pathogens and keeping a watchful eye out for early signs of disease is all that is needed to reduce the risk of respiratory disease for your pets. Limit exposure by trying to stay around other animals that you know are healthy as well as maintaining a regular schedule for cleaning and disinfection. Most importantly, make these things regular habits so that you are prepared for the news, not making it.
Category: Animal Safety, Companion Animal, Veterinary, Sanitation & Hygiene