CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — On a typical night, Barkology in Cheektowaga is filled with games of fetch, belly rubs and trips to the water bowl for dogs from across Western New York.
But this week, Barkology owner, Megan Morlock said it’s been the opposite, as her bar and dog park business has seen a recent decline in traffic.
Morlock attributes the decline to the emergence of a highly contagious, potentially deadly mystery dog illness.
“People are afraid,” Morlock said. “Nobody wants their dog to get sick. They’re our babies.”
The mystery disease is a respiratory illness that starts with a cough, which can last up to several weeks. In some cases, dogs can develop bronchitis or pneumonia, which can progress quickly and become fatal.
It is unclear what causes the illness, and there is no proven treatment. It is believed to be transferred through dog-to-dog contact. Humans are not at risk.
There are no cases in New York, as of the latest data released Monday. Colorado and Oregon have been hit the hardest of the 14 states to report cases.
Even though there are no cases locally, veterinarians are still recommending that owners keep their pets up to date on vaccinations so that their immune systems are as strong as possible. It is also recommended to limit pets contact with other dogs like in dog parks or through boarding.
“These things can spread rapidly, especially when it's respiratory-related,” said Dr. Matthew Souza, owner and director of the McClelland Animal Hospital in Buffalo. “I don't think the general public should be too alarmed to the point where they are going to isolate their animals and barricade their animals in their home.”
Dr. McClelland also said if your dog develops a cough, is sneezing or experiences nasal or eye discharge, to take them to a veterinarian immediately.
While there is only so much business owners can do, Morlock said Barkology is taking every precaution possible like changing the water bowls every few hours or cleaning the area the dogs play on more frequently, while hoping business will return to normal as soon as possible.