Photo: Faba-Photograhpy / Moment / Getty Images
(Bettendorf, IA) -- A respiratory virus affecting dogs is spreading its way to the Quad Cities.
Dr. Matt Nelson, a Bettendorf veterinarian, says he usually sees one to two cases a week but is now seeing four to five.
The treatment for the virus, known as kennel cough, isn't working.
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where there are large numbers of animals, such as boarding kennels, daycare facilities and dog parks.
They say dogs can spread kennel cough to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact such as like touching noses, or contaminated surfaces including water or food bowls.
The virus is similar to the common cold humans experience.
Dr. Nelson adds the virus is highly contagious.
He advises for owners to bring their pets to the vet if they notice symptoms of kennel cough.
Symptoms include strong cough, runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite and lethargy.