The DSPCA is warning dog owners to take care as it is currently dealing with an outbreak of kennel cough.
The dog charity has confirmed that a number of its shelter dogs currently have the highly contagious respiratory virus, and that they need more foster homes to come forward to help.
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness affecting dogs that can be spread where large amounts of dogs gather, including at parks, boarding and kennel facilities, and at dog training groups.
Read more: Dog paw-sitively delighted at finding forever home after seven years in shelter
Symptoms of the dreaded illness can include a persistent, forceful cough, reduced appetite, low energy, and a high temperature.
Speaking to Dublin Live, a spokeswoman from the DSPCA said: "We have dogs in the shelter who have kennel cough and we are hoping to send them out to foster homes where they will all get extra TLC during their recovery.
"Kennel cough is just like a bad cough which unfortunately other dogs can pick up and in a shelter environment with lots of dogs around it can spread easily."
Meanwhile they are looking for families who do not already have dogs to foster the sick dogs for up to two weeks.
Foster families will need to be able to attend vets visits at the shelter in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, throughout the fostering period and must have their own transport.
Medication, food, bedding and other items needed will all be supplied by the DSPCA.
If you think you can help then please email foster@dspca.ie or fill out a form here
Read more: DPSCA issue warning after baby bird brought to shelter
Read more: Owner of missing dog heartbroken after pet 'shot by farmer'
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
