SmartyPup! Update: Our Stance on the 2023 Canine Mystery Illness

Dear SmartyPup! Community,

As many of you are aware, there has been growing concern regarding the the new bug referred to by the media as the "2023 Mystery Illness" affecting canines in some communities. At SmartyPup!, we prioritize the health and well-being of our canine companions and their families above all else. In light of these recent developments, we want to share our position and guidance with all our valued puppy parents.

Understanding the 2023 Mystery Illness:

The illness, widely referred to in the media as the "2023 Mystery Illness," has been identified by the scientific community as aCIRD (Atypical Canine Respiratory Disease) 🩺. It is believed to involve a combination of bacterial and viral pathogens 🦠. Symptoms are similar to bacterial pneumonia, and while they are concerning, they are not unprecedented in canine health history. The scientific community is still determining whether a single bacterium or multiple strains cause this illness. The associated mortality rates are currently low.

Our Proactive Approach at SmartyPup!:

We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for puppies and people:
- Vaccinations: We stress the importance of keeping up with standard vaccinations, including additional Bordetella and Influenza vaccines.
- Health Monitoring: We are closely monitoring health trends and are relieved to report no cases in San Francisco pr the bay area to date.
- Transparency and Communication: Should any respiratory illnesses be detected in our groups, we will inform our community promptly.
- Facility Cleanliness: We uphold an exceptionally clean environment at SmartyPup!. Our commitment to cleanliness includes daily cleanings and weekly deep cleanings of our facility. We use hospital-grade RESCUE and Hydrogen Peroxide disinfectants to ensure the highest level of sanitation and safety for puppies and people.

Emphasizing Early Socialization and Balanced Health: Early socialization and training are vital in preventing behavioral issues. We advocate for a balanced approach to puppy care, focusing on both physical and mental health, and recommend smaller playgroups to minimize exposure risk.

Guidance and Recommendations:

- Veterinary Consultation: We strongly advise consulting with veterinarians about vaccination and overall health plans. If your puppy expeiences any symptoms
- Symptom Vigilance: Be observant of symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and discharge, and avoid social gatherings if such symptoms are present.
- Owner Communication: Keep contact information for your dog's playmates' owners for quick communication.
- Diagnostic Testing: Support diagnostic testing to understand and manage any outbreaks.

Our Commitment:

We remain dedicated to providing a nurturing, safe, and healthy environment for all puppies in our care. We are committed to staying informed and responsive, ensuring the best care for your beloved pups.

Should you have any concerns, questions, or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue to provide a safe, enriching environment for our puppies.

The latest study is from UNH Researchers Provide Major Clue in Mysterious Dog Illness Case.

Thank you for your continued trust in SmartyPup!.

Warm Wags,
Fawn
Trainer/Owner