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3 New England States Home To Mysterious Deadly Dog Illness

Mysterious Deadly Dog Illness Found in Three New England States There’s a mysterious and deadly dog illness sweeping the nation and it’s affecting canines in three New England states Massachusetts,…

Mysterious Deadly Dog Illness

Cocker Spaniel cinnamon, Milú.

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Mysterious Deadly Dog Illness Found in Three New England States

There's a mysterious and deadly dog illness sweeping the nation and it's affecting canines in three New England states

Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

"Veterinary laboratories in several states are investigating an unusual respiratory illness in dogs, and encouraging people to take basic precautions to keep their pets healthy as veterinarians try to pin down what's making the animals sick," according to WMUR in Florida.

The illness has also been reported, either officially or anecdotally, in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Washington, NBC’s “Today” show reported Monday.

It starts with a cough. And that can last for several weeks.

The problem is the illness doesn't respond to antibiotics or other treatments. And when that happens, the dog may struggle to breathe and develop severe pneumonia.

One clue is emerging as to how these dogs are getting sick: They spent time in places with lots of dogs, such as boarding facilities, doggy day care or dog parks.

Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, a veterinarian and chief executive at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. told the New York Times she "fears that veterinarians may see an increase in cases as more owners board their dogs or send them to day care during the holidays."

“We’re really hoping just with getting the word out there that people are less inclined to do that,” she told the New York Times. “The veterinary community as a whole is kind of scared.”

For dog owners, here's what to watch out for:

Persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, and nasal or eye discharge. It mimic sthe signs of kennel cough but has a higher rate of becoming pneumonia.

Dr. Kiko Bracker told WCVB-TV they’re seeing about a case a week at Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain.

"There are some occasional dogs who do not do well," Bracker said. "We have seen some fatalities, but it’s quite uncommon."

Top 5 Chill Dog Breeds So You Can Just Relax

Calmest Dog Breeds: Top 5 Chill Dog Breeds So You Can Just Relax

If you're the type of person who prefers Netflix over nature, and napping over hiking, then you, my friend, need a calm, chill dog in your life. Trust me; it's the best idea since retractable leashes (Actually, I hate those things. But you get the point.)

First off, imagine this: you're on your comfy couch, wrapped in a blanket burrito, binge-watching your favorite show. A calm dog, we'll call him "Snoozer," is right there beside you, snoring in perfect harmony with your show's soundtrack. You don't have to worry about outdoor adventures or epic treks; you and Snoozer are a match made in heaven.

Here's the scoop: Snoozer doesn't demand 5 a.m. hikes or wild, muddy playdates. He prefers 5 more minutes of sleep, and so do you. Together, you're a duo committed to the art of relaxation. No running marathons, just marathon movie nights. No chasing squirrels, just chasing that last piece of pizza.

But it gets even better. Calm dogs like Snoozer have mastered the "puppy eyes" technique. When you're feeling too lazy to cook, they flash those big, soulful eyes, and voila! You order takeout again, and Snoozer gets his own side of fries.

And let's not forget the exercise routine. With a chill dog, your daily workout consists of belly rubs and fetch games that usually end with both of you napping on the floor. Plus, no more outdoor adventures means fewer ticks, fleas, and mud-stained floors. Your white carpet thanks you.

Having a calm, chill dog is the ultimate life hack for the lazy and proud. No epic adventures, no guilt about missing hikes, just cozy moments, a relaxing vibe, and the perfect partner for your laid-back lifestyle. So, go ahead and embrace the chill side of life – Snoozer will be right there with you, snoring in solidarity.

Here are the top 5 calmest dog breeds, according to StudyFinds.com.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are renowned for their calm demeanor, making them an ideal choice for a tranquil lifestyle. Their easygoing and affectionate nature lends itself to relaxed companionship, perfect for lazy afternoons on the couch. These small, but content dogs don't require vigorous exercise, making them a superb match for those who prefer a more laid-back approach to pet ownership. "The American Kennel Club’s second most popular dog breed in the U.S. Considered to be easygoing best friends for seniors, children and apartment dwellers, they’re goofy, smart, devoted, and crave attention from their humans. Oh, and those ears,” writes Daily Paws.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

 Cavaliers are excellent choices for a relaxing lifestyle, as they are naturally calm and affectionate dogs. Their friendly and docile temperament makes them wonderful companions for quiet moments at home. With their silky ears and gentle nature, they'll happily snuggle up with you and enjoy a tranquil life together.

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are one of the chillest dog breeds around, thanks to their easygoing and laid-back personality. With their droopy eyes and long ears, they often appear relaxed even when they're active. Their love for lounging and their slow-paced nature make them a perfect choice for those who prefer a low-key, leisurely lifestyle. “Short and stubby and with ears for days, basset hounds tend to be quite low-energy dogs.  Plus "their short legs make it easy to wear them out with a few short walks, and their history as scenthounds means they readily explore the world with their noses rather than by eating up miles of trail,” reports K9 of Mine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrzNXp9reMM

Irish Wolfhound

St. Bernards make for a very chill dog breed due to their gentle and easygoing nature. Their large size and calm temperament make them excellent companions for those who prefer a laid-back lifestyle. Plus, their fluffy coats and affectionate demeanor make them perfect for cuddling on lazy afternoons.

Saint Bernard

St. Bernards make for a very chill dog breed due to their gentle and easygoing nature. Their large size and calm temperament make them excellent companions for those who prefer a laid-back lifestyle. Plus, their fluffy coats and affectionate demeanor make them perfect for cuddling on lazy afternoons. “Fitting nicknames for the St. Bernard include Gentle Giant, Patient Pup, and Cuddly Canine,” describes PureWow.

Lauren Beckham Falcone is the co-host of Bob & LBF in the Morning. Formerly an award-winning reporter and columnist for the Boston Herald, she credits her current success as a pop culture commentator to watching too much TV as a kid and scouring the internet too much as an adult. LBF is a regular contributor to NECN and is an honorary board member at the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. Lauren lives in Canton with her husband Dave and her daughter Lucy. Lauren writes about trending topics, New England destinations, and seasonal DIY.