Canine Distemper: Everything You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog

Canine Distemper is a major concern for dog owners due to its high mortality rate and the severe damage it can cause to a dog’s body. Understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of this disease is crucial to safeguarding your pet. Let’s explore these aspects with Pet Residence.

What is Canine Distemper?

Canine Distemper, also known as CDV (Canine Distemper Virus), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs. It can spread from dog to dog and even to humans through close contact. The mortality rate for dogs infected with Canine Distemper is significantly higher than for other diseases. Early symptoms often resemble common illnesses, leading to misdiagnosis and improper treatment.

What age do dogs get distemper?

Puppies are more susceptible to Canine Distemper due to their weaker immune systems. All dog breeds can contract the disease, but dogs aged 3 to 6 months are at the highest risk, with mortality rates between 90% and 100%. Imported dogs, especially from regions with poor health control, are more prone to infection. In adult dogs, the virus may not show clear symptoms and may exist in a carrier state.

The incubation period for Canine Distemper ranges from 3 to 6 days, extending up to 21 days in some cases. Depending on the severity, the disease can last up to a month or more.

Symptoms of Canine Distemper

In the initial stage, symptoms are often non-specific, such as high fever, lethargy, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which can be mistaken for other illnesses. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear, including:

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia.
• Skin Symptoms: Red or yellow pustules on the abdomen, inner thighs, and eyelids; hardened paw pads.
• Eye Symptoms: Watery eyes, conjunctivitis, and potential blindness.
• Neurological Symptoms: Muscle twitching, seizures, and paralysis.

Stages of Canine Distemper

• Initial Stage: Mild fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes. The fever can last for 2-3 days and may reach up to 40°C (104°F).
• Intermediate Stage: After 7-14 days, the fever spikes again. Symptoms worsen with persistent coughing, nasal and eye discharge, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Advanced Stage: Severe respiratory distress, thick nasal discharge, eye ulcers, and significant weight loss.
• Final Stage: High risk of death due to severe respiratory and neurological symptoms. Dogs may exhibit seizures, foam at the mouth, and exhibit extreme lethargy.

Treatment for Canine Distemper

There is no specific cure for Canine Distemper, and treatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections. Key approaches include:

• Antibiotics: To prevent secondary bacterial infections (e.g., Amoxicillin, Vimexyson).
• Fluids: Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance.
• Supportive Care: Vitamins, protein supplements, and anti-seizure medications.

Home Care Tips

• Hydration: Ensure your dog stays hydrated with glucose or electrolyte solutions.
• Nutrition: Provide a balanced diet to support recovery.
• Isolation: Keep the infected dog away from healthy pets to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Environment: Maintain a warm, dry, and draft-free environment.

Preventing Canine Distemper

• Vaccination: Regular vaccination with the Canine Distemper vaccine. Puppies should receive their first vaccine at 2 months old, followed by booster shots every year.
• Hygiene: Keep your dog’s living area clean and disinfected to reduce the risk of infection.
• Isolation: If you suspect your dog has been exposed to the virus, isolate them immediately to prevent spreading it to other pets.
• Routine Check-ups: Regular veterinary visits to monitor your dog’s health and update vaccinations as needed.

FAQs about Canine Distemper

How long does a dog with Canine Distemper live? The lifespan of an infected dog varies depending on its immune response and the timeliness of treatment. Without treatment, dogs may die within 2-3 days, while those receiving care might survive for 1-2 weeks or longer.

Can Canine Distemper spread to humans? Canine Distemper does not infect humans directly, but humans can carry the virus on their skin or clothing, potentially spreading it to other dogs.

Can Canine Distemper be cured? While there is no cure, supportive treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the chances of recovery if started early.

Do I need to vaccinate my dog annually? Yes, it is recommended to vaccinate dogs against Canine Distemper annually, especially those under 3 years old. Older dogs should receive booster shots every two years.