Raise your hand if you’ve heard of distemper. Keep your hand up if you actually know what it is and how it affects your dog.
While most people have heard of canine distemper, few know exactly what this contagious virus is, how it spreads, and the symptoms it produces. Distemper kills more dogs than any other infectious disease, but it is not necessarily a death sentence. In fact, distemper is almost 100 percent preventable. Read on to learn how you can protect your furry friend.
Signs of Canine Distemper
Distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. The initial symptoms can be mild and may be missed by owners. Look for fever, runny nose, coughing, lack of appetite, and mild discharge from the eyes. Not all dogs who contract the virus will become seriously ill, as some with strong immune systems can fight it off. However, those less fortunate will face a tough road ahead.
The progression and seriousness of the disease can vary depending on your pet’s age, overall health, and the strain of the virus. Look for continued fever, vomiting and diarrhea, depression, thick mucus from the eyes and nose, depletion of white blood cells, and hardening of the pads of the feet. As the disease progresses, it attacks the brain and spinal cord, producing symptoms such as slobbering, head shaking, seizure-like symptoms, depression, confusion, and muscle jerking.
If you notice any signs or symptoms of distemper, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Body Language
Check your dog’s body language for signs of distemper, such as weakness, tense jaw, dropped ears, head bobbing, sleepiness, and other signs.
Other Signs
Other signs and symptoms to look for include fever, runny nose, discharge from eyes, vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy or lack of appetite, depression, muscle spasms, and other neurological symptoms.
The History of Canine Distemper
The origins of distemper are unclear. Descriptions of a similar disease affecting dogs date back to the 11th century, but accounts became more widespread in the mid-18th century. Outbreaks in Europe in the 1760s caused many deaths. The exact source of the disease is unknown, with various theories suggesting it was imported from France or brought to Europe from Peru. The first vaccine against distemper was developed in the 1920s.
The Science of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper virus is highly contagious and can be fatal. Puppies between three and six months old are most at risk. Once a dog is infected, they can easily spread the virus to others through body secretions and airborne particles. Distemper can also affect raccoons, foxes, and skunks.
Unvaccinated puppies are most vulnerable to distemper. While many dogs only show mild symptoms or none at all, the virus can have lifelong consequences and even cause death if left untreated.
Treating Canine Distemper
Diagnosing distemper can be difficult, so vets often base their diagnosis on clinical signs. There is no cure for distemper, but treatment focuses on providing supportive care and preventing new infections. This may include antibiotics, intravenous fluids, anti-seizure medication, and medications for vomiting and diarrhea. The success of treatment depends on factors such as the dog’s age, the strain of distemper, and how quickly veterinary help is sought. Surviving distemper provides immunity against future infections.
“Distemper kills more dogs than any other infectious disease, but it is preventable and not necessarily a death sentence.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems of dogs. It can lead to long-lasting side effects and even death.
2️⃣ Symptoms of distemper can initially be mild and may include fever, runny nose, coughing, lack of appetite, and mild discharge from the eyes. However, the progression and seriousness of the disease can vary depending on the dog’s age, overall health, and the strain of the virus.
3️⃣ It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of distemper, such as weakness, tense jaw, dropped ears, head bobbing, sleepiness, fever, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, muscle spasms, and other neurological symptoms. If any signs or symptoms are noticed, it is crucial to take the dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What are the initial symptoms of distemper in dogs?
– Fever, runny nose, coughing, lack of appetite, mild discharge from the eyes
2. What are the signs and symptoms of distemper as the disease progresses?
– Continued fever, vomiting and diarrhea, depression, thick mucus from eyes and nose, depletion of white blood cells, hardening of the pads of the feet, slobbering, head shaking, seizure-like symptoms, confusion, rhythmic muscle jerking
3. How can you recognize signs of distemper in a dog’s body language?
– Weakness, tense jaw, dropped ears, head bobbing, sleepiness
4. What are some other signs and symptoms of distemper to look out for?
– Fever, runny nose, discharge from eyes, vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy or lack of appetite, depression, muscle spasms, other neurological symptoms
5. Is there a cure for distemper in dogs?
– Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper. Treatment focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms. Antibiotics, intravenous fluids, anti-seizure medication, and medications for vomiting and diarrhea may be used. The success of treatment varies depending on factors such as the dog’s age and the strain of distemper they have.
