The Vanderpump Dog Foundation has made the difficult decision to cancel
this year's World Dog Day, originally slated for December 2 at West
Hollywood Park, citing concerns over a recent outbreak of a severe upper
respiratory illness affecting dogs. The organization aims to prioritize
the health and well-being of our canine companions and has rescheduled
the event for the year 2024.
The move comes in response to a growing health crisis, with dogs displaying symptoms such as cough, nasal discharge, sneezing, and lethargy. In an effort to address the situation, LA County Public Health is currently in the process of identifying cases and assessing the impact of the newly identified respiratory illness on dogs in Los Angeles County. Coordination with federal and state entities is underway to ensure a comprehensive response.
The respiratory ailment has been tentatively labeled as Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD), with cases defined by a negative canine respiratory PCR test panel and specific clinical scenarios. These scenarios encompass chronic mild to moderate respiratory infections, chronic pneumonia resistant to antibiotics, and acute pneumonia leading to severe outcomes in a remarkably short timeframe.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the disease's origin, LA County Public Health advises dog owners to remain vigilant for symptoms and promptly seek veterinary attention if their pets exhibit signs of illness. Owners are urged to take precautionary measures, including isolating sick dogs for a minimum of 28 days and quarantining exposed dogs for 14 days to monitor for symptoms.
Furthermore, the public health agency recommends regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, along with keeping infected dogs away from communal spaces like day care, boarding kennels, grooming facilities, and dog parks. In cases where dogs fall ill after being in such facilities, owners are advised to seek veterinary evaluation and notify the respective facility.
While the City of West Hollywood will maintain regular operations and cleanliness at local dog parks, including William S. Hart Dog Park and Dog Parks at West Hollywood Park, advisory information on Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (aCIRD) will be prominently displayed. The city pledges to stay closely connected with LA County Public Health, ready to implement additional measures if deemed necessary.
For additional information from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, please contact media@ph.lacounty.gov or (213) 240-8144. Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing can reach the City of West Hollywood's TTY line at (323) 848-6496.