Distemper in Dogs

Preventive care is a crucial part of your pup's ongoing health care. It helps to prevent potentially serious diseases and conditions such as canine distemper. Here, our Egg Harbor Township vets talk about the effects of distemper in dogs, the signs to watch for and how your vet can help get your pooch feeling better again.

So what is distemper in dogs anyway?

Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus that can affect your dog's respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Did you know that the distemper virus has been found to be present in a number of different species of mammals around the world?

What are the causes of distemper in dogs?

Distemper in dogs is a serious condition that has the potential to be fatal. Canine distemper is caused by a virus that is referred to as a paramyxovirus. This virus is related to both the measles and rinderpest viruses.

This virus can cause so much harm to your dog due to the fact that it will affect multiple internal systems at the same time.

How is distemper in dogs transmitted?

There are a number of ways that the canine distemper virus can be spread. The most common form of transmission is through droplets in the air from infected pets or wildlife.

Distemper can also be spread among dogs by sharing toys, bowls and blankets, especially in social settings such as kennels.

If your dog is pregnant she may be able to pass the distemper virus to her puppies in the womb through the placenta.

Distemper Symptoms in Dogs

The signs of distemper in dogs usually begin with yellow to green eye discharge along with the following other symptoms soon afterward:

While some dogs commonly experience common cold symptoms when infected with distemper some may actually present as asymptomatic.

What are the effects of untreated canine distemper?

If distemper in dogs is left untreated it can progress to more serious symptoms such as:

Is distemper in dogs contagious?

Distemper is an incredibly contagious virus as animals that are infected can not only appear perfectly healthy but can also spread the virus for months.

The canine distemper virus is known to commonly affect puppies. This is due to their lack of adequate vaccinations. That said, any dog that is not fully vaccinated will be at an increased risk of the virus.

How will the vet diagnose distemper in dogs?

If you suspect that your dog may have contracted the canine distemper virus your vet will request diagnostic testing to be completed in the veterinary laboratory along with a physical examination of the symptoms to confirm diagnosis.

Distemper in Dogs Treatment Options

If your dog has contracted canine distemper, your vet will focus on providing support and care to help manage the symptoms that your pup is experiencing.

The treatment of distemper in dogs depends on the condition that they are in and the symptoms they are experiencing. For dogs suffering from severe diarrhea or vomiting, they will prescribe medications to ease the symptoms and recommend hydration options to help prevent dehydration. One of these options may include IV treatments which can provide all of these treatments in one. 

Respiratory illness is one of many ways that this virus can affect dogs. If this is the case for your pup your vet will offer support and treatment options to help your dog breathe better and recover as quickly as possible.

Distemper in dogs may also cause neurological concerns which can result in seizures and may be potentially fatal. Your vet will monitor your dog's condition if these issues occur and offer options as needed.

Methods of Preventing Canine Distemper

While being a serious condition, canine distemper can thankfully be prevented. Some of the ways that you can help to protect your pup can include:

• Keep your dog up to date with distemper vaccinations
• Prevent your dog from having contact with wildlife
• Keeping your unvaccinated dog or puppy away from social settings and other animals

If you have any questions about canine distemper and its prevention or if you are concerned that your dog may be showing the signs, speak with your vet. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Do you need to schedule your pup for routine vaccinations, including their DHPP shot? Contact our vets in Egg Harbor Township to book an appointment.