If you're a dog owner, chances are you're well aware of the respiratory illness that is targeting many canines at the moment. Cases of this canine illness are on the rise here in the U.S. causing many hound owners and establishments that allow dogs to take extra precautions to help keep pets healthy and safe.

One of those businesses here in Sioux Falls is Severance Brewing Company.

Those familiar with Severance know that dogs are always welcome to join their owners inside the business as the human relaxes with an ice-cold brewski.

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Scott Heckel, owner and head brewer at Severance Brewing Company told Dakota News Now,  “We saw the news of this new respiratory illness going around and we wanted to take some proactive measures rather than reactive measures."

What type of measures is Severance taking to help prevent the spread of the canine illness?

According to Dakota News Now, the community dog bowls have been removed for now. Severance is also requesting that pet owners bring along their own dog bowls when they decide to bring their pup in for a visit.

Heckel also told Dakota News Now, “As pet owners, it’s up to the owner to try to make sure their pets stay safe. We really try to put it on them that if their dog is showing any symptoms, those types of things, please keep them home and as you are in the brewery, kind of keep them to your table and to yourself. Don’t let them mingle with the other pups and hopefully, we can prevent the spread.”

Dakota News Now reports that many other Sioux Falls pet-friendly establishments are planning to follow suit with their own set of increased measures to help keep pets safe and prevent the spread of the canine disease.

And veterinarians continue to urge dog owners to closely monitor the situation, and make sure they keep their pets up to date on their vaccinations. Vets also recommend you limit contact with other dogs, isolate sick dogs, and if your pet begins to show symptoms of the illness, take them to your vet right away for a checkup.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms reported are coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, and lethargy.

Source: Dakota News Now