Pet Owners Guide to Dog Distemper

Canine distemper is a viral disease that can affect many different body systems. Your dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems can be affected. The disease is often fatal especially when it strikes young puppies.

The virus that causes distemper in dogs is mainly transmitted through the air. Your dog will become infected if he breathes these airborne particles in. If your dog has been infected, you will shed the virus in his urine and feces. Even after the symptoms of the disease have gone away, they will continue to shed the virus for weeks. After a complete recovery however, the dog will stop shedding the virus.

As previously mentioned, the canine distemper virus can cause problems with the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and central nervous systems. Common symptoms include diarrhea, conjunctivitis, and vomiting. It is also common for dog to experience pneumonia or signs of another upper respiratory infection.

Dogs infected with this virus commonly lose their appetite, develop a fever, and experience eye inflammation. If the virus affects the central nervous system, your dog may experience seizures, depression, and also loss of motor skills. If these symptoms occur, it may be assigned that there is something more seriously wrong with your dog.

 

Canine distemper can sometimes be hard to diagnose since other conditions can cause some of its same symptoms. After sending a sample to a laboratory, the diagnosis can be confirmed. A blood test will show that your dog has low white blood cell counts.

Since distemper in dogs can cause damage to the intestinal lining, antibiotics may be given to prevent bacterial infections. Medications will also be given to help relieve diarrhea. Your dog will likely need intravenous fluids if the diarrhea lead to dehydration.

Most dogs are given a vaccine to prevent infection by this virus. It is best that all dogs are given this vaccination as part of the normal routine. Some dogs will need to receive a booster shot every couple of years or so.

Distemper is a very serious disease. It is certainly in your best interests as an owner to get your dog vaccinated as your vet will likely suggest that you do.