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Veterinarians Warn Dangerous Respiratory Disease Spreading In Dogs

NATOMAS (CBS13) — Veterinarians are warning dog owners about an increase in respiratory diseases affecting pets in the Sacramento area.

Dr. Emily Holmes keeps pretty busy at the Natomas Animal Medical Center, but this year is exceptional.

"Especially in the Sacramento area we've seen a increased cases of respiratory type diseases or complexes in dogs," she said.

It's not the same deadly flu virus that filled veterinary hospitals in the Midwest, but there are still serious concerns about a respiratory disease.

"They're finding out the newer outbreaks are actually associated with a different strain of the virus," she said.

What are the signs?

"A little lethargic, not wanting to eat that well but can go to the full blown coughing, sneezing having nasal discharge," she said, adding full-blown pneumonia.

The virus can be contacted at private shelters when owners go on vacation, or just hanging out with a large population of sick dogs.

"Specifically with people who travel to places where they have had outbreaks," she said.

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