If your dog has a dry cough, don’t panic.  But there is a nationwide dog illness that has stirred concern.  No confirmed reports of such illness in Illinois, but Vermilion County Animal Control officials are on the alert.  The animal shelter in Danville has suspended dog intakes until one dog is cleared from illness.

Shelter Director Kasey Snyder says it's not known yet whether a dog in question is slowed by a virus or a bacteria.  The shelter is stopping any intakes until tests are completed. Snyder reports until tests are final, dog owners should be advised to avoid dog parks, avoid boarding facilities, and also avoid gropus gatherings of dogs, if possible.

Dr. Drew Sullivan, medical director of the Medical District Veterinary Clinic in Chicago, says Illinois veterinarians have not seen any cases of a new mystery virus that has shown up in Oregon and New Hampshire, among other places.  He says  "Just like people, dogs catch viruses all the time. If they stop eating and playing, that is when to worry."

If you're still concerned ?  Give your vet a call.

94.1 WGFA