Your Poodle And Canine Distemper

As owner, you have definitely thought about the diseases that could possibly affect the health of your beloved Poodle. Have you heard "canine distemper" escape from someone's lips? It probably have es...

As owner, you have definitely thought about the diseases that could possibly affect the health of your beloved Poodle. Have you heard "canine distemper" escape from someone's lips? It probably have escaped from the lips of a dog owner or from somebody who's life and heart is somehow attached to a dog.

Canine distemper is a serious disease caused by a tiny virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems of domestic animals, often unvaccinated puppies and dogs. Other animals such as foxes, wolves, raccoons, skunks and ferrets can also be affected. Canine distemper is usually spread through viral particles the dogs breathe in and also contact with mucous and watery secretions discharged from eyes and noses of infected dogs. Contact with urine and feces of infected dog can also spread the disease.

The presence of canine distemper virus can be determined based on gastrointestinal, respiratory as well as neurological symptoms. Early symptoms of this disease include fever with body temperature that ranges from 103 to 106 degree Fahrenheit. Gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms include runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, coughing, loss of appetite and weight loss. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear. These symptoms include ataxia, depression, deterioration of mental abilities as well as motor skills, paralysis and seizures. Despite the long list of signs that could indicate the presence of canine distemper virus, an infected dog may not exhibit all these signs. Therefore taking a sick dog for a vet check up is a great idea.

Diagnosis is usually based on signs and laboratory tests. Treatment is consist of treating secondary infections since there is no specific drug available to kill the virus in an infected dog. The vet will prescribe medications to control vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and other symptoms. Clean, warm and comfortable environment must be provided. The eyes and the nose should also be kept clear of discharge.

The fact that there is no available drug to kill the virus itself, every Poodle owner should take necessary measures to prevent this disease. As always, vaccination plays an important role in this story. Dogs and puppies especially puppies under four months old should be vaccinated for they are more likely to acquire this disease. The fight against this disease can be strengthened with avoiding contact with infected animals. Infected animals should be separated from other dogs. Routine cleaning with disinfectants or detergents is a great idea as well.

Article Tags: Canine Distemper