If you have more questions about distemper in dogs, talk to your veterinarian, and call your vet immediately if you suspect your dog might be showing symptoms of distemper. What Is Your State's Flea-and-Tick Season? This means that an outbreak of distemper in the local wildlife population can put dogs at risk for catching the disease even if they do not come into contact with other dogs. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. In general, the symptoms associated with distemper in dogs during the first stages of infection are: If a dog infected with distemper survives the acute stage of the illness, he may also develop hyperkeratosis of the paw pads and nose, which gives distemper the nickname hard pad disease. This distemper symptom causes the pads of a dogs feet to harden and enlarge and is uncomfortable. Veterinarians treat the diarrhea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms, prevent dehydration, and try to prevent secondary infections. iy_2022; im_08; id_02; ih_16; imh_36; i_epoch:1659483417224, py_2020; pm_03; pd_10; ph_10; pmh_17; p_epoch:1583860649631, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Tue Mar 10 10:17:29 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1583860649631, https://marketplace.akc.org/breeder/fran-milteer-77067/miniature-bull-terrier/325821. Distemper dogs experience a wide range of symptoms depending on how advanced the disease is in their bodies. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. Distemper is one of the most serious diseases your dog can get. Most dogs develop a fever approximately 3-to-6 days after being infected, but the initial symptoms depend on the severity of the case and how the patient reacts to it. Wild animals like raccoons, foxes, wolves, coyotes, skunks, ferrets, and mink can also get distemper. A paramyxovirus causes distemper in dogs, and it is closely related to the measles and rinderpest viruses. There are three ways dogs can get canine distemper: Canine distemper is spread through direct contact or airborne exposure, rather like the common cold in humans. iy_2022; im_08; id_02; ih_16; imh_36; i_epoch:1659483414569, py_2020; pm_03; pd_10; ph_10; pmh_17; p_epoch:1583860649631, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Tue Mar 10 10:17:29 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1583860649631, https://marketplace.akc.org/breeder/bullterrierbreeder/bull-terrier/318912. One of the other risks associated with distemper in dogs is a secondary bacterial infection that attacks when a dogs immune system is compromised by the distemper virus. There are several things you can do to prevent distemper in dogs: By following these steps, you can keep your dog safe from distemper. Secondary bacterial infections can cause respiratory and GI symptoms, including: Some dogs develop neurological signs as the disease progresses and attacks the central nervous system. Distemper in dogs presents with some or all of these symptoms, depending on the severity of the case. Here are the facts, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods that every dog owner needs to know about distemper. These signs are particularly disturbing for owners. Distemper is a risk to all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months old are particularly susceptible to canine distemper. Most vets recommend that dogs be hospitalized and separated from other dogs to prevent the spread of infection. Once a dog becomes infected, the virus initially replicates in the lymphatic tissue of the respiratory tract before moving on to infect the rest of the dogs lymphatic tissue, the respiratory tract, the GI tract, the urogenital epithelium, the central nervous system, and optic nerves. The good news is that the virus does not last long in the environment and can be destroyed by most disinfectants. If your puppy shows any symptoms of distemper, call your vet immediately. There is no cure for canine distemper. Veterinarians diagnose distemper through a combination of clinical signs and diagnostic tests, or through a postmortem necropsy. It causes severe illness in the host by attacking multiple body systems, resulting in a widespread infection that is difficult to treat. The first symptom of distemper in dogs is usually watery to pus-like discharge from his eyes, followed by fever, loss of appetite, and clear nasal discharge. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), distemper is often fatal, and dogs that survive usually have permanent, irreparable nervous system damage.. The disease is highly contagious and potentially lethal. Dogs are not the only animals that can get distemper. AKC.org offers information on dog breeds, dog ownership, dog training, health, nutrition, exercise & grooming, registering your dog, AKC competition events and affiliated clubs to help you discover more things to enjoy with your dog. The bad news is that distemper-infected dogs can shed the virus for up to several months, putting dogs around them at risk. Other cases may exhibit neurological symptoms for weeks and even months afterward. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. The survival rate and length of infection depend on the strain of the virus and on the strength of the dogs immune system. Bitches can also spread the virus through the placenta to their puppies, which is one of the reasons why it is important to fully vaccinate any dog you plan to breed. This results in two stages of symptoms. When an infected dog or wild animal coughs, sneezes, or barks, he releases aerosol droplets into the environment, infecting nearby animals and surfaces, like food and water bowls. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Veterinarians consider the distemper vaccine to be a core vaccination, along with the parvovirus, canine adenovirus, and rabies vaccines. Some cases resolve as quickly as 10 days. Through direct contact with an infected animal or object, Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, Convulsions with increased salivation and chewing motions, Make sure your puppy gets the full series of distemper vaccinations, Keep distemper vaccinations up-to-date throughout your dogs life and avoid any gaps in vaccinations, Keep your dog away from infected animals and wildlife, iy_2022; im_08; id_02; ih_15; imh_44; i_epoch:1659480271913, py_2022; pm_07; pd_13; ph_01; pmh_01; p_epoch:1657699290765, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Jul 13 01:01:30 PST 2022; pn_epoch:1657699290765. It is also one of the most preventable. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Distemper in Dogs Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. AKC.org offers information on dog breeds, dog ownership, dog training, health, nutrition, exercise & grooming, registering your dog, AKC competition events and affiliated clubs to help you discover more things to enjoy with your dog. Once diagnosed, care is purely supportive. Canine distemper is entirely preventable. All rights reserved. Canine distemper should sound familiar to you if your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations. Distemper-Infected dogs can shed the virus does not last long in the environment and can be destroyed most... Is difficult to treat distemper dogs experience a wide range of symptoms depending on the strength the... 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