How Do You Treat Distemper In Dogs?

By far the easiest way to prevent your dog from experiencing distemper is to ensure they are vaccinated for the virus as a puppy. If they do become infected treatment options are fairly limited. These can usually include antibiotics or drugs that have very little effect, though it is possible for dogs to recover through the use of natural remedies that help strengthen the dog's immune system. These help prevent the major concern in encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, and the initial course of action when fever first appears is to have the dog fast on vegetable broth and water until their temperature returns to normal.

If your dog is healthy, they could easily fast for up to 7 days-- dogs are actually capable of going without solid food for weeks. Your dog shouldn't have to fast for too long, however, and the fever should disappear within a few days. To help strengthen the immune system, you should also give them Vitamin C every 2 hours in amounts of 250 milligrams for small dogs and puppies, 500 milligrams for medium-sized dogs and 1,000 milligrams for large dogs every 3 hours. Once the fever has passed you can double the interval, but don't give them any at night so their system can recover.

If the virus has already progressed to the stage where there is discharge from the eyes, you can try dropping almond oil or cod liver oil over them to help them heal and then giving them a specifically made remedy for distemper in Distemperinum 30C, though this may often be restricted to use by vets. You could also try Natrum Muriaticum 30C for this early stage by giving them one pellet every morning and evening. If the condition has progressed to the stage of eye discharges, then more severe treatment is required with Pulsatilla 30C in 3 doses a day. For the very sick dog Arsenicum Album 30C and Hydrastis Canadensis are used for worsening symptoms, and at this stage you should certainly seek advice from your vet as to the recommended dosage. There is also treatment for dogs who are unable to fully get over the disease in the form of Psorinum 30C given once a month.

In many cases the disease doesn't become too severe and your dog can fully recover within a few days to a week. This depends a lot on how healthy they are to begin with, and the amount of immunity that is passed onto them by their mother. If they are still weak after this period of time, you can try supplementing their diet with Vitamin B, nerve tonic and fresh grated garlic to help assist their recovery.

For more information on distemper in dogs visit HeartMyDog.com or visit this helpful video: http://youtu.be/Yfhiv7v_cJA