Veterinary surgeons play important role in education and awareness of canine infectious respiratory disease
Research conducted amongst dog owners in Europe* found 83 per cent considered their level of knowledge of canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) to be inadequate, while 96 per cent said they always or usually followed the advice of their veterinary surgeons.
The findings from 1,447 interviews across Europe highlight the important role veterinary surgeons play in educating and increasing awareness amongst dog owners to fully understand the risks associated with CIRD.
“The risks of respiratory infection are real, however sometimes there’s a perception that ‘it’s just a cough’,” says Dr. Eileen Ball, Global Veterinary Medical Lead for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases with Zoetis, who commissioned the research. “Respiratory infections can be severe and potentially even life threatening.”
Dr. Ball says canine infectious respiratory disease is a potential risk for all dogs – not just those that are being boarded in kennels – and certain groups of dogs such as puppies, elderly dogs or those with a weakened immune system may have a heightened risk of contracting disease.
Dogs that spend a lot of time in areas where there is a high density of other dogs – such as dog parks, with a dog walker that walks several dogs at a time or dogs at grooming and day care centres are considered to have a higher risk of infection, and “short-nosed, flat-faced dogs with brachycephalic anatomies such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas and English Toy Spaniels may have more profound clinical signs of disease when infected,” she says.
Drinking water from dog bowls in public places that are shared with other dogs, or regularly using common areas such as elevators or lifts in residential buildings are another potential source of infection that can easily be overlooked during a lifestyle discussion.
“It’s important for veterinary surgeons to think about risk in terms of the big picture and consider as many aspects as possible when discussing CIRD prevention with dog owners.”
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company,
dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more
than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops,
manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by
diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services. Zoetis
serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for
farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100
countries. In 2018, the company generated annual revenue of $5.8 billion with
approximately 10,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
*(Market Probe Research Report – Lifestyle Risk Factors for CIRD April 2017)
Contact:
Murray Cameron: Zoetis + 32 (0) 274 68459 (office) + 44 (0) 7733 266 361 (mobile) murray.cameron@zoetis.com
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