AMERICAN FORK — A mysterious pet disease that has sickened dogs in several states has pet owners wondering what they can do to keep their pets healthy.
Some pets even died from the disease.
Keeping your pet safe starts with asking the right questions.
“Anytime you work with animals, you’re worried about transmitting germs, disease, and other things,” says Aubrey Slabbert, owner of Synergy Pet Salon.
Slabbert often works with dogs, having been a groomer for many years and running his business in American Fork.
“You don’t want to wait until there’s a mysterious disease going around to be preventative,” Slabbert said.
According to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, 18 states have reported cases of the mysterious disease.
Currently, Utah is not on that list. However, Idaho and Colorado have reported cases.
The American Veterinary Medical Association says it’s important for pet owners to keep their dogs up to date on all vaccinations.
Veterinarians and pet experts also say it’s important to be vigilant at dog parks. As well as other places where there tends to be a lot of activity and opportunities for germs to spread.
Steps taken to prevent mysterious diseases
Slabbert said his company follows protocols including no dog-to-dog contact and uses cages to safely separate animals.
“No dog-to-dog interaction means they’re not sniffing each other,” he says. “What we have learned following this virus, is that it is transmitted through dog-to-dog contact, which would be sniffing, licking, saliva, and things like that.”
In addition to cleaning between pets, they also offer one-on-one pet grooming to allow for more separation if requested.
If it’s time for your pet to get a haircut, Slabbert says pet owners may want to ask their groomer questions about safety protocols.
“Making sure your groomer is licensed and doing everything within their power to be a professional and legal business,” he says. “What are your rules? Do you allow any dog-to-dog interaction? How often do you clean your equipment between pets? Things like that. Those are all valid and fair questions.”
