Veterinarians are sounding the alarm as they see a growing number of coughing dogs.
Wendy Brown’s three golden retrievers — Bridge, Dooley and Lulu — are among the dogs who started showing symptoms earlier this November.
“Dooley started doing kind of this huffing and also seemed to feel quite lethargic,” Brown recalled to “Good Morning America.” “Not too long after, Bridge began to exhibit the symptoms. But his were louder, more boisterous. I thought it was his stomach because he made like a retching sound.”
Initially, Brown thought her pets had a typical kennel cough but when their symptoms didn’t subside, she knew it was something more serious.
“The vet started him on a 10-day cycle of doxycycline. Today was day 10 and he is not a lot better,” Brown said.
Brown, an Idaho resident, said she’s still not sure what could have caused her dogs’ illness in the first place.
While research is underway, veterinarians say the mystery illness is highly contagious and can be fatal. Reported symptoms so far have also been typical of a kennel cough and they include coughing, sneezing, nasal and/or eye discharge and lethargy.
“Instead of that dry cough where the dog felt good, it was now this wet cough where the dog felt sick,” Amanda Cavanagh, the section head of the urgent care service at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, told “GMA.”
Experts like Cavanagh said any dogs showing signs of consistent coughing should be brought to a vet to be examined.
“We can ultrasound the lungs to see if there is a problem that is related to pneumonia or the contagious pneumonia that seems to be going around,” Cavanagh said.
Cavanagh also recommends keeping any coughing dogs away from other dogs and for two weeks after the cough goes away.
The dog’s warm embrace of the 2-year-old reassured her parents as they left for work
In the bustling city where people are always on the move, finding moments of true connection can be a rarity. However, a heartwarming incident involving a dog and a 2-year-old child recently captivated the hearts of many, highlighting the profound and unconditional love animals can offer. The moment when this dog embraced the child, enveloping her in warmth and comfort, became a testament to the deep affection it held for the little girl, ultimately providing her parents with peace of mind as they headed off to work.
The dog in question is a lovable Golden Retriever named Max. Max has been a part of the Nguyen family for three years, and throughout this time, he has formed a special bond with the youngest member of the family, little Mia. Mia, a charming and curious 2-year-old, has grown up alongside Max, and their relationship has flourished from the very beginning.
One sunny morning, as Mia’s parents, Lily and Mark, were preparing to head to their respective workplaces, they were faced with a familiar dilemma. They were once again entrusting their precious child to the capable care of their loyal canine companion, Max. However, on this particular morning, something extraordinary happened.
As Lily handed Mia over to Max, something unexpected occurred. Instead of simply sitting by her side or following her around, Max gently leaned in, as if sensing Mia’s need for comfort. He lowered himself to the ground and extended his front paws, inviting the little girl into a warm and loving embrace. Mia, ever the intuitive child, responded by snuggling closer to Max’s furry chest, wrapping her tiny arms around him.
This tender embrace lasted for several minutes, and it seemed as if time stood still. The whole scene was a testament to the profound connection between the child and her four-legged friend. In that moment, Max’s warm, furry body and comforting presence were all Mia needed to feel safe and secure. The world outside, with its complexities and uncertainties, faded away, leaving just the two of them wrapped in an unspoken bond of love.
Lily and Mark watched in awe, touched by the undeniable affection that their dog had for their daughter. Max, who had been a faithful companion and protector for Mia since her birth, had now shown an even deeper level of care and concern for her well-being. In that brief yet profound moment, they realized that they could trust Max with Mia, knowing that he would always keep her safe.
As Lily and Mark went off to work that day, they left with a newfound sense of peace and assurance. They knew that Max would watch over Mia, just as he had done during countless other moments, with his unwavering love and dedication. Their family’s bond had grown stronger, and they were grateful for the incredible connection between their daughter and her canine friend.
This heartwarming incident serves as a reminder of the extraordinary relationships that can form between humans and their animal companions. It demonstrates the capacity of animals to offer love, support, and comfort when we need it most. The story of Max and Mia also reminds us that the world can be a better place when we open our hearts to the unconditional love that our animal friends are willing to share.
In a busy, fast-paced world, the touching moment when a dog lovingly embraced a 2-year-old child became a symbol of the pure, unbreakable bond between animals and humans. Max’s profound love for Mia provided her parents with a sense of security and peace, reminding us all of the extraordinary connections that can exist between pets and their families.
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