Local vets urge caution but not panic over ‘mystery’ respiratory illness found in dogs

 Local veterinarians are encouraging pet owners to be cautious but not to panic over recent reports of a mysterious respiratory illness that has been found in dogs in at least 14 states, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

Boston-area veterinarians said they have received a surge of calls from concerned dog owners following media reports about the “mystery illness,” which in some cases has developed into pneumonia and even led to death. They said they are trying to ease owners’ fears, noting that the number of respiratory cases is rising but mostly in line with past years.

Veterinarians said they are encouraging owners to take the usual precautions to keep their pets healthy, such as getting them vaccinated and keeping them away from other dogs that are sick.