Understanding Canine Distemper: What It is & How Dogs Get It

What is Canine Distemper and its Symptoms

Canine Distemper, medically referred to as CDV (Canine Distemper Virus), is a contagious and serious viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs, foxes, wolves, ferrets, raccoons, and skunks. It is highly contagious in unvaccinated animals and can easily spread through inhalation of secretions from sneezing or coughing infected animals.

The most common symptoms of canine distemper include fever, eye/nose discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, seizures, muscle twitching and irritability. If not treated quickly with antivirals and supportive care such as fluid therapy and nutrition supplementation, this virus can cause serious neurological damage leading to death or significant disability.

It’s important for pet owners to be aware of key symptoms in order to ensure their dog’s health is monitored regularly. Vaccination against distemper remains the single most effective way to protect your pet from contracting the virus.

How Dogs Contract Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a serious viral infection that affects mostly unvaccinated puppies and dogs. It is a highly contagious virus that spreads when an infected dog sneezes, coughs, or discharges secretions through contact with other dogs or objects in the environment such as water bowls, kennels, and food dishes. The virus can also be passed from an infected mother to her puppies during pregnancy and nursing.

Once contracted, the virus multiplies in the lymph nodes, invading various organs where it then replicates further. Signs of canine distemper may include fever, loss of appetite, eye infections that lead to squinting or clouded corneas, muzzle rash and coughing. In advanced cases, neurological symptoms such as twitching, convulsions and paralysis can occur before death. Treatment generally includes aggressive supportive care until the body overcomes the disease on its own — if it is able to do so.

The best way to protect your pet from canine distemper is to make sure they are vaccinated against it after they reach four weeks old and again at 12 weeks old (or more often if recommended by your veterinarian). Vaccines help stimulate immunity that will deter future infestations.

Treatment Options for Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild puppies, leading to severe respiratory, neurological, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatment of this virus is limited and depends on early diagnosis and keeping the animal comfortable.

The earlier canine distemper is detected the better chance pets have of surviving the infection. In mild cases, supportive care at home may be sufficient, including fluids to keep pets hydrated, soft food while they’re having difficulty eating hard kibble or raw meat, and monitoring temperature levels.

More significant cases require hospitalization in order to monitor vital signs and administer medication. Intravenous fluids are usually given as well as antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Tremors can be treated with drugs such as phenobarbital or diazepam and coughs with bronchodilators or steroids like prednisone. For serious convulsions, tranquilizers such as acepromazine may be administered by injection along with anticonvulsants.

Some alternative treatments for canine distemper may also offer some relief from more severe symptoms such as seizures or paralysis. Dietary changes involving probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids may help improve immune function and reduce inflammation associated with the virus. Additionally herbs like Echinacea have been used to boost immunity as well as traditional Chinese medicine involving acupuncture for nerve damage caused by the virus.

It is important to note that once an animal has contracted distemper there is no cure, so prevention is key but even then accidents can happen if the pet is exposed to other animals that are infected with the virus. Vaccinating your dogs against canine distemper will provide the best protection possible against this serious virus.

Prevention of Canine Distemper in Dogs

Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that can affect wild animals as well as dogs. The virus that causes canine distemper affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of affected animals. Fortunately, there are effective methods for preventing your dog from contracting this dangerous disease.

The primary way to prevent canine distemper is through vaccination. Vaccinating puppies at six weeks old and older provides them with the best protection against the virus. Puppies should have a series of re-vaccinations starting at 12 weeks old, then again at 16-18 weeks old and then annually after that. Adult dogs should have annual boosters to maintain their immunity to the virus. Additionally, indoor cats should also receive vaccinations as they can contract canine distemper if exposed to an infected animal.

In addition to giving your pet regular vaccinations, it’s important to ensure they do not come in contact with other animals that might be carrying the virus or any areas where a potentially infected animal has recently been (e.g., parks or yards). Keeping wild animals away from your pets by blocking access to the yard or deck is also suggested as wild animals can easily transmit disease to house pets.

By providing your pet with regular vaccines and preventing exposure to potential sources of infection, you can protect them from getting distemper and help keep them happy and healthy for many years to come.