AUSTIN – The Austin Animal Center is seeing more dogs with a virus that can potentially be fatal.
The respiratory disease distemper is popping up in communities across Texas this year. Veterinarians say symptoms can be tough to spot.
Pet owners are urged to make sure their pets are up to date on their vaccines. Jennifer Olohan with the Austin Animal Center said the virus can spread through nose-to-nose contact.
“If you're out at brunch on a patio and your dog is sniffing another dog -- or drinks from community water bowls," said Olohan.
Austin Animal Center said if pet owners notice their dog has a persistent cough, unusually watery eyes, or decrease in appetite, they should take them to the vet immediately.
Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Coughin
- Mucus coming from eye and nose
- Fever
- Lethary
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite