Distemper In Dogs: What Pets Owners Need To Know
Posted on: 9 September 2015
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Among the many illnesses that can affect your dog, one of the most serious is distemper. You may not be very familiar with this type of canine disease, but if you are a dog owner, you should know what it is and what the symptoms are, as the disease is contagious and drastically impacts the health of your pet.
What is distemper?
Distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs, foxes, raccoons, and other forms of wildlife. The virus itself is similar to the measles virus, but unlike measles, distemper does not affect humans. Currently, there is no known cure for distemper.
What are the symptoms of distemper?
Distemper is spread through direct or indirect contact, but it also is an airborne virus, which is why it is so contagious. Basically, your dog has the chance of getting sick if he or she shares a bowl with, sniffs, licks or breathes the air of another infected dog. After the infection sets in, your dog will start running a high fever, have limited appetite, become lethargic, and will have water eyes and runny nose. Your dog may also vomit or suffer from other gastrointestinal upsets.
As the disease progresses, your dog will have seizures, paralysis, jerky movements, or periods of hyperactive behavior. These episodes are the result of the virus attacking the central nervous system of the dog.
What are the treatment options?
Fortunately, dogs who have up-to-date vaccination records are less likely to contract distemper, as the immunizations will help their bodies fight the disease. Young puppies who do not have the vaccine are vulnerable, as are dogs who are elderly. Old dogs do not have the same immune system strength to fight distemper infections. You can help protect your dogs and other dogs by staying on top of all vaccines recommended by your veterinarian. Distemper vaccines are usually effective for five years before your pet will need a booster.
It is especially important to vaccinate your dog if you live in an area with an active wildlife population, especially with animals that can carry the virus. Coyotes, foxes, wild cats, and raccoons are threats to the health of domesticated dogs.
Distemper, however, does not always have to be a death sentence. Even though there is no cure, a local animal hospital (such as My Rancho Bernardo Pet Hospital) can work to try and make your dog comfortable while his or her body works to fight the disease. As the virus runs its course, your dog will be in a great deal of pain, but modern medicines can help. Recovery is possible in dogs who are normally healthy, well-exercised, and strong. However, dogs that are weak or have been fighting other illnesses likely will not survive. In many cases, your vet may recommend putting your animal to sleep to help them avoid the painful progression of the infection.