Canine distemper 101: Symptoms, treatment, prevention, and more!
Dogs are prone to many diseases, but distemper is probably among the worst your dog can get. The good news is canine distemper can be prevented with vaccinations. Your pup needs to see the vet within the first six weeks so that a vaccination plan can be scheduled. The canine distemper vaccine is among the core vaccines that your dog should get, along with vaccines for parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies. Before you visit a Brandon veterinary clinic for more information, here are some things to know.
An overview of canine distemper
Distemper is a serious disease that’s not only contagious but possibly lethal. There are three ways in which distemper spreads from one animal to another. The first one is direct contact with an infected animal, while it is also common for pets to get the disease from airborne exposure. The third way is through the placenta. The good news is that the distemper virus doesn’t last for long in the environment and can be cleaned using disinfectants. Unfortunately, dogs that are infected by distemper can shed the virus for months, risking other canines. Wild animals, including wolves, raccoons, skunks, and ferrets, can also get the disease.
Signs of canine distemper
Distemper symptoms and signs vary on the extent to which the virus has affected the animal. Initially, it is common to find pus-like discharge from the eyes, which is usually accompanied by other signs like appetite loss, fever, and nasal discharge. These symptoms usually surface within three to six days of getting infected. The disease in advanced stages can affect the central nervous system, leading to problems like circling, paralysis, seizures, head tilting, muscle twitching, and eventually, death. While any dog can get distemper, unvaccinated canines, and puppies are more at risk.
Treatment for distemper
Sadly, there is no cure for distemper. The vet will usually order a few diagnostic tests and check clinical signs to detect the disease. Care is usually supportive, with the intention of controlling the symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Your dog will be quarantined to prevent spreading the disease to other animals. With a strong immune system, a dog may be able to survive distemper in just ten days, while in other cases, the neurological symptoms may continue to persist for months.
Preventing canine distemper
When it comes to canine distemper, one line stands true – Prevention is better than cure. You have to ensure your pup gets all the distemper vaccinations, as suggested by the vet, without any gaps. Your dog will need the booster shots throughout their adult life. If possible, keep the animal away from wild animals, which are more likely to spread common infections and diseases.
Finding a veterinary clinic in Brandon
Not all veterinary clinics are equipped to provide emergency and supportive care for diseases like distemper, and therefore, when you look for one, check all relevant details on their website. Make sure you call the clinic and let them know that your dog might have distemper, which will help the staff make arrangements to keep the animals separate. While distemper doesn’t have a proper cure, there are numerous cases when dogs have survived the disease, especially when detected in the early stages. You may have to take extra care at home even after your fur baby is okay and released from the hospital.
Final takeaway
Don’t wait for long to visit a veterinary clinic in Brandon when you see a serious change in your dog’s behavior and diet patterns. It may not be distemper, but something that needs medical attention. The symptoms often overlap with other diseases, which is why it is even more important to get an immediate diagnosis.
