What is Distemper in Dogs?
Distemper in dogs is a disease that needs to be closely monitored and treated in order to offer your furry buddy as many healthy years as possible.
Distemper in dogs is caused by the distemper virus which is highly contagious. In most situations, fatal viral disease such as distemper affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and nervous system of dogs in all life stages.
Distemper usually transmit between dogs, ferrets, and infected wildlife like coyotes, foxes, wolves, raccoons, and skunks.
A core vaccination series which is administered by a qualified vet can prevent distemper in dogs.
Here’s everything you need to know about distemper in dogs – how to prevent your dog from distemper, the early signs or of distemper that you should look for, and what to do if you see symptoms of distemper in dogs.
Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs
Distemper can cause visible changes in your dog’s wellbeing and behaviour. There are many early signs and symptoms of distemper which you can see in your pet. We have detailed some of the common distemper symptoms in dogs, below.
- Nasal Discharge
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Lack of Apetite
- Chronic Skin Infections
Please Note: The information provided in this page is designed to help inform you regarding distemper. It is not meant to replace the veterinary diagnosis or treatment for distemper. If you have any questionsor concerns about your dog’s health or possible symptoms, make to get in touch with and consult with your vet right away.
The Main Causes of Distemper in Dogs
To recognize and treat distemper in dogs, you need to know the underlying causes of distemper in dogs. This can help a pet owner prevent distemper happening in the first place or again.
Distemper in dogs is transmitted primarily by coughing and sneezing. The risk of exposure od distemper virus is high when a dog sneeze which can spread respiratory particulates up to 8 meters or 20 - 25 feet.
Food bowls and contaminated supplies and equipment can also help transmit distemper.
Diagnosing Distemper in Dogs
No one understands your pup better than you do and therefore it is vital that your pet be checked thoroughly by a veterinarian at least once a year.
Contact your veterinarian to find out more about the treatments for distemper in dogs.
Preventing Distemper in Dogs
Stopping distemper in dogs is always better than treating it, hence let’s explore ways to prevent distemper in dogs rather than treating it.
To not to appear weak or vulnerable to predators, the innate survival impulses make dogs conceal health problems. This suggests comprehensive physical examinations by a certified veterinarian are essential to keep your animals healthy. Usually, blood and urine tests carried out by your vet are required to get the complete picture of your animal’s health. These preventive checks actions will identify any health issue sooner making treatment more successful and less costly and, more notably, will help your pet live a longer, healthier life.
Treatment for Distemper in Dogs
Contact your vet to find out more about the treatments for distemper in dogs.