What is Distemper in Dogs?

As a new dog parent, you must be pretty excited about what this experience has to offer. We must warn you, however, that there are some things you must be wary of. Distemper is one of them

Distemper affects several animals, but in this instance, we’re focusing on dogs. It can affect all parts of your dog’s body including the brain, skin, nose, lungs, intestines, and even the skin. Distemper is a serious condition that can without a doubt become fatal, and in some cases, it can lead to irreversible brain damage and organ failure which may require euthanization.

How does distemper happen?

Distemper is caused by a virus. Your dog can contract distemper from the secretions of an infected dog. This includes saliva, spit or drool that comes into contact with the air or surfaces through barking, coughing, or sneezing. This is a highly contagious condition and as a result, all dogs should get distemper vaccines.

Symptoms

If you suspect your dog or another dog has distemper, you should look out for certain symptoms. These include:

• Nasal discharge
• Coughing
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Muscle tics
• Seizures
• Pneumonia

Usually, these symptoms occur all at once. Oftentimes, it affects superficial areas such as the nose and paw pads. It can also cause teeth to have an abnormal color and shape. Tics can lead to abnormal gait, muscle twitches, mouth clenching, and regular seizures.

Treatment

Unfortunately, distemper has no cure, and you cannot cure it at home. The only thing the vet can do is offer treatment for the symptoms to offer comfort and support. Some dogs eventually recover naturally, but that is not a guarantee and can take months.

Getting the vaccine

The only way to truly protect your dog against distemper is by giving him/her the vaccine. They are widely available and are often bundled to prevent other common, yet preventable illnesses.