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Gunnison Veterinary Clinic, Critter Sitters, and Peaceful Journeys
Have Questions About the "New" Respiratory Disease?
Let us help ease your concerns.
The experts are telling us that currently we are having a periodic cluster of increased CIRDC cases sporadically across multiple states. What is CIRDC? It stands for Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex which is endemic (always present in dog populations). What does this mean? We are seeing a slight increase in coughing dogs resulting in an outbreak of media attention. With more cases, we often see more severe disease accompany the upswing.
CIRDC signs include:
- A “honking” cough that may sound like retching
- Sneezing, and discharge from the eyes and or nose
- Lethargy, decreased appetite, and labored breathing
- Not all dogs show all of these signs, and each case can be slightly different.
CIRDC includes various bacterial and viral causes such as canine parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine respiratory coronavirus, canine pneumovirus, canine influenza virus, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, and Mycoplasma.
Things are still unfolding for the veterinary community with CIRDC, but right now there does not appear to be a need for increased concern. With more cases, we often see more severe disease accompany the upswing. Increases in deaths could be linked to the dogs’ physiology (other concurrent diseases which makes their bodies more compromised and less efficient at clearing normal infections), not the specific respiratory disease factors.
What can you do to protect your dog?
- Talk to your vet about keeping your pet vaccinated against causes of CIRDC: canine parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and canine influenza.
- Limit your dog’s contacts, especially traveling family or friends with dogs of unknown health status.
- Keep your dog away from other sick dogs.
- If your dog is sick, keep it away from other dogs.
- Most dogs will present with just a cough and clear it on their own or with help of supportive therapy. Other coughing dogs can get pneumonia, and unfortunately, a few may die.
What we at GVC & Critter Sitters are doing to protect your dog:
- All dogs are required to be up to date on their vaccinations against causes of CIRDC
- Canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica
- We do not allow any known sick dogs to board or come to doggy daycare.
- We have vigorous sanitization and disinfection protocols in place to keep your pups safe.
- Any veterinary patients with reports of coughing, sneezing, or lethargy are triaged by our veterinary staff in the parking lot and not to leave their car to prevent any risk of infectious spread.
Overall, if you are concerned that your dog may have CIRDC or that they may be exposed, talk to your veterinarian.
Follow the links below for further information:
Respiratory Disease in Dogs Sweeping Across the US? Outbreak of Disease or Media Attention?
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease
Colorado State University investigates cause of spike in canine respiratory disease
Colorado Department of Agriculture - Canine Respiratory Disease
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Have You Herd The News?
Our Heifer is Calving
February 2024
Please help us as we prepare to welcome little Baby Randlett
Friends and Fur Families,
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Bailey will be expecting a new addition to her family this upcoming year. Some of you may have noticed as Dr. Bailey's scrubs have gotten tighter over the past few months and have been wondering when we would spread the cheer. Dr. Bailey has been excited and humbled by the journey into parenthood so far and as she eagerly awaits the arrival of her baby girl.
She is so grateful for the support and warmth she has received from the tight-knit community here in Gunnison over the past year and a half. Being a part of your lives as a veterinarian has been an honor, and she looks forward to sharing this next chapter with the you all. With this joyful news we would like to inform you that she will be reducing her hours as the belly continues to grow and will be taking maternity leave in February when the baby comes. Your understanding and well-wishes are deeply appreciated during this period. In her absence, our dedicated team at Gunnison Vet Clinic and Critter Sitters will continue to serve you and your pets as much as we can.
Thank you for entrusting in us with the health and well-being of your furry companions. We are grateful for your continued support and understanding as Dr. Bailey embarks on this wonderful journey of motherhood. Please stay tuned for updates. We look forward to introducing her little one to you when the time comes.
Wishing you and your pets a year filled with love, laughter, and good health!
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For all your pets needs in Gunnison, Colorado
Call us at (970) 641-0460
We treat your pets like the valued family members they are. We pride ourselves on being a small “mom & pop” business, while focusing on the safety and care of your furry family members. Our mission is to provide exceptional care that aligns with Gunnison's health forward lifestyle at an affordable cost. We strive to help pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives by providing outstanding preventative medical care that starts early in life which follows them through the years. We are committed to professional, compassionate, and personalized service for all. Offering state-of-the-art veterinary medical diagnostics, a full service clinic, and urgent care services.
EXPERIENCED AFFORDABLE
Your local source for quality pet care
You'll feel confident with our fully-trained staff. We go above and beyond to ensure your furry friends are healthy
Learn more about our convenient services including
veterinary services, pet boarding, doggie daycare, and dog grooming today!
With PetDesk: schedule your appointment online, request a prescription refill, stay up to date on discounts and deals.
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December is National Cat Lovers Month
Winter is a great time to bond with your kitty. The cold keeps us in our homes and allows us more opportunities for quality time to help our furry friends have better enriched lives. Consider teaching your kitty tricks, or installing multi-level walkways or perches, or desensitizing them for fear free veterinary exams and procedures.
Click here to learn more ways on how you can improve your cats mental stimulation at home.
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January is National Train Your Pet Month
As the winter temperatures drop outside you and your pets may want to stay in and snuggle next to the fire. Which means they may not be getting the exercise and mental stimulation they are used to. Take these extra comfy moments to work on your training indoors by adding distractions to common commands or trying out new tricks.
Click here to learn more ways to provide mental enrichment for your pet this winter.
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February is National Pet Dental Health Month
Dental health is very important to your pets quality of life. Dental disease can not only be painful but it is linked to other health problems including kidney, liver, and heart disease.
Click here to learn more about our favorite veterinary approved dental products.