Canine Distemper Symptoms & Treatment

Welcome to Canine Distemper Help

Canine distemper virus, also known as Carre’s disease or hard pad disease (because of the effect it has on the nose and paws) is a highly contagious, extremely severe disease that affects unvaccinated puppies and dogs. Dogs with a weaker immune system are also known to be at a higher risk. Distemper in dogs used to be one of the most deadly diseases prior to the vaccination.

Now, distemper is still active and can still be contracted very easily. Canine distemper virus is known as a multi-systemic virus, which means it will attack multiple areas of your dog’s body. The first area to be affected is usually the respiratory system. This causes trouble breathing, runny eyes and discharge from the nose. From there, your dog’s gastrointestinal system will become compromised. This may cause vomiting and diarrhea. If that weren’t enough, distemper in dogs can even affect the nervous system, resulting in seizures and paralysis.

Distemper in dogs should never be ignored. Unfortunately, there is no one cure for canine distemper virus, but it can be treated if it is caught early on. Often times, a dog has about a 50/50 chance of survival. However, if a puppy becomes infected with canine distemper virus, it can be a very low survival rate. Fortunately for dog lovers, there is a way to prevent this serious disease. The canine distemper virus vaccination is almost 100% effective in preventing distemper in dogs. Even still, your dog may contract this disease. It is important to understand how to sanitize your home and yard and what to look for in order to treat distemper in dogs.

Our Mission

From a list of possible symptoms of canine distemper virus to possible treatment methods, we are your #1 resource for all things to do with distemper in dogs. Canine distemper should never be taken lightly. If you spot any odd changes in your dog such as discharge from the eyes and nose or strange coughing sounds, these could be signs of canine distemper virus. Our mission is to provide readers with the best information regarding distemper in dogs and hopefully save a canine life.

We provide information on the canine distemper vaccine, and how it works to help prevent distemper in dogs. We also provide information on how to keep your house and yard clean of the distemper virus, and how to protect other dogs in the house from contracting it as well. It is important to understand the effects of canine distemper virus and what you can do to prevent this disease at all costs.

How to Prevent Canine Distemper Virus

Canine distemper virus is one of the most contagious diseases a dog may contract. Canine distemper virus, also known as Carre’s disease or Hard Pad disease, is spread in a few different ways. One way dog distemper may be contracted is through urine and feces, which may be directly or indirectly consumed, resulting in infection. Another way dog distemper may be transmitted is through exhalation, which means this virus can become airborne. Dogs, as well as cats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons,  are known to become infected with the distemper virus as well.

Canine distemper is known as a multi-systemic virus, which means it attacks multiple areas of the body. The virus that causes dog distemper is also grouped with the human disease known as measles. It is called the paramyxovirus group. The first part of the dog’s body to become affected are the lymphatic tissues. It then spreads to the blood, lungs, intestines and other major organs. It is even known to affect the nervous system as well.

Canine distemper virus is fatal in 50% of cases affecting older dogs who have not been vaccinated, and around 85% of cases where puppies are involved.

There is a vaccination available to help prevent the spread of dog distemper. Vaccinations against canine distemper virus are extremely effective and a regular part of your dog’s veterinarian check-ups. For more information about canine distemper vaccine, click here (link to treatment page) There are a few different ways to prevent canine distemper virus in your dog as well as around your home:

• Have your puppy vaccinated at around 6-8 weeks old. Be sure to keep up on regular veterinarian check ups.
• Wait at least a month after the final vaccinations before introducing your puppy to other dogs.
• If you are kennel training your dog, and he has contracted dog distemper, keep the kennel very clean. Use bleach and hot water to clean it out a few times a week.
• Most household cleaners will kill the distemper virus. Bleach is the most effective. Use a diluted water and bleach solution to clean floors and outdoor surfaces.
• Keep your dog’s bedding and blankets clean by washing in hot water by hand or in the washing machine.
• If you have more than one dog, keep the infected dog isolated until your veterinarian recommends. Be sure to keep an eye on any other dogs in the house for signs of canine distemper as well.

Distemper Symptoms

Canine distemper virus is a highly contagious disease that affects different areas of the body. It will first affect the lymphatic tissues, then move to respiratory and gastrointestinal organs. In worst cases, it will affect the nervous system as well. Canine distemper symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some symptoms may not appear until the virus has affected many areas of the body. Dog distemper usually takes 14 days to fully infect your dog’s system. Sometimes, neurological symptoms may not appear for weeks at a time.

If you notice any of the following symptoms of distemper in dogs, it is very important to seek veterinarian treatment right away. This is especially important if you have an unvaccinated puppy, puppies going through vaccinations that are not yet complete, or an older dog with a weaker immune system. Canine distemper may be a fatal condition if it is not immediately treated as soon as symptoms appear.

Signs to Watch Out For

Canine distemper virus is a highly contagious disease that affects different areas of the body. It will first affect the lymphatic tissues, then move to respiratory and gastrointestinal organs. In the worst cases, it will affect the nervous system as well. Canine distemper symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some symptoms may not appear until the virus has affected many areas of the body. Dog distemper usually takes 14 days to fully infect your dog’s system. Sometimes, neurological symptoms may not appear for weeks at a time.

If you notice any of the following symptoms of distemper in dogs, it is very important to seek veterinarian treatment right away. This is especially important if you have an unvaccinated puppy, puppies going through vaccinations that are not yet complete, or an older dog with a weaker immune system. Canine distemper may be a fatal condition if it is not immediately treated as soon as symptoms appear.

Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs

Different areas of the body may be infected by canine distemper. Common systems include the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and even the brain. Keep an eye out for the following distemper in dogs symptoms:

• Fever, this may be periodic or constant. Fevers usually begin to show within the first few days of infection
• Lethargy and weakness
• Nose and footpads become hard
• Inflammation around the eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Discharge from the nose and eyes. This is usually thick and yellow in appearance
• Blisters on the abdomen
• Dehydration

As this disease progresses, secondary bacterial infections may attack your dog’s system. Not only that, but symptoms of neurological damage may become present. Some symptoms include:

• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Teeth chattering or abnormal jaw movements
• Muscle spasms, especially around the mouth and nose
• Weakness or limb paralysis
• Seizures

The outcome of your dog’s survival depends on how quickly he is treated by a veterinarian, how far the virus has progressed and whether he has been vaccinated. Other factors include your dog’s overall health and immune strength. Always talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may be infected with canine distemper virus. Symptoms of distemper in dogs are often mistaken for other illnesses, so keep an eye on your dog during treatment and seek medical attention if his symptoms worsen or do not clear up within a few days.

Distemper Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no one treatment for canine distemper. Often times, depending on the severity of your dog’s infection, canine distemper treatment will rely on different antibiotics and therapy to aid different symptoms. Often times, your dog’s chance of survival depends on how far along the infection is and if it has reached the nervous system. It is important to not only treat the dog suffering from canine distemper but to also prevent other animals from becoming ill with this disease as well.

Diagnosis of canine distemper is primarily based on the symptoms displayed. Because this particular virus attacks many different parts of your dog’s system, this can be a little tricky. Often times, secondary infections may become present as well. Your veterinarian will likely perform a series of tests in order to properly diagnose canine distemper. Some of these tests may include blood counts, antibody tests, urinalysis, X-rays and sometimes even spinal taps.

Canine Distemper Treatment

While there is no one cure for canine distemper virus, there are several methods of treatment and therapy that are beneficial in treating this disease. Supportive care and a close watch on possible secondary infections are the best way to ensure your dog recovers. It is important to understand that recovery is not always guaranteed. An unvaccinated dog or a dog with a weaker immune system has about 50% chance of survival. Puppies have an even lower chance of survival. This is why it is extremely important to have your puppies vaccinated for distemper as soon as possible.

Some treatment methods for canine distemper virus include:

• IV fluids to replenish hydration. This is especially important if your dog has been vomiting or has diarrhea
• Anti-nausea medication if your dog is vomiting
• Pain medication
• Cough suppressants
• Antibiotics. Antibiotics will help to prevent secondary illnesses such as pneumonia during treatment
• Anti-seizure medications. In more severe cases, steroids may be used if regular seizure medications do not help

It is important to note that your dog will likely be hospitalized and isolated from other dogs and animals during treatment. Your veterinarian will help to keep your dog as comfortable as possible during treatment. Distemper can take months to fully expel from the body after your dog has recovered from the acute disease. It is important to keep your home and yard clean during this time. Many household cleaners will kill distemper cells. Not only that, but distemper disease dies in hot and dry areas. Your veterinarian can help you with information regarding sterilization of your home to best fit your dog’s case of distemper.

Canine Distemper Vaccine

The most effective way to prevent canine distemper virus is to have puppies vaccinated at an early age. Canine distemper vaccine is almost 100% effective in preventing distemper in dogs. First vaccinations should start between 6-8 weeks. The vaccination should be repeated every 3-5 weeks until they are 18 weeks of age. After that, yearly vaccinations, or ‘booster shots’ are recommended.

Vaccinations are a regular part of your puppies’ vet check. Your veterinarian will have the best information and guideline for your dog’s canine distemper vaccine. Puppies and dogs who are not properly vaccinated, or going through a series of vaccines, should not go to dog parks or areas with lots of dogs. Canine distemper virus is both an excreted and airborne virus and is very contagious.

Some side effects of the canine distemper vaccine include vomiting and diarrhea, swelling of the shot area, loss of appetite, fever, and lethargy. In some severe cases, seizures or allergic reaction may occur.

Dogs who are vaccinated may still contract canine distemper, however, the disease is much less severe and is not very common.

Distemper in Puppies

Canine distemper virus is a very serious and highly contagious disease that affects any breed of any age. However, it is known that puppies are the most susceptible to this disease, especially if they are not properly vaccinated or become exposed to canine distemper virus during the vaccination period. It is known that newborn puppies are born with their mother’s immunity to canine distemper, (if the mother was properly vaccinated) until they are around 6 weeks old. At this time, it is very important to take your puppy to the veterinarian for a full check-up and first shots. Canine distemper shots will likely be included in the first visit.

If you are breeding puppies, it is important to keep an eye out for any symptoms of canine distemper in the first few weeks. Keep an eye out for discharge around the eyes and nose. If you notice any discharge, this could be a sign of respiratory trouble, which is common with canine distemper. Immediately call your veterinarian and isolate the particular puppy.

Things to Keep in Mind

Wait at least a month after your puppy’s final vaccination before introducing him to strange dogs or bringing him to kennels or dog parks. Always have your puppy vaccinated before entering a kennel, because many dogs are not vaccinated and the canine distemper virus can thrive in cold, poorly ventilated areas. If you are kenneling your puppy, be sure to keep the kennel clean with warm water and bleach. Let the kennel soak for a few minutes before rinsing. Sunlight or ultraviolet light is also known to kill the virus as well.

It is important to keep in mind that once a puppy has become infected with canine distemper virus, his chances of survival are extremely low. Always have your puppies vaccinations done at the correct time and boosted yearly.