Nov 25 Newsletter

Healthy Tails: Protecting Your Pup from Distemper
Krista Albers-Smith, LVT

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs, ferrets, and certain wildlife species such as foxes, raccoons, mink, and skunks. It is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), a close relative of the measles virus in humans. Distemper attacks multiple body systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, leading to serious illness or even death.

How Is It Spread?
The virus is transmitted through aerosol droplets from coughing or sneezing dogs and wildlife. It can also spread via direct contact, shared food and water bowls, contaminated environments, and through the placenta. The virus does not live long in the environment, and most disinfectants can destroy it; however, infected dogs can shed the virus for several months.

Signs and Symptoms
Canine distemper progresses in stages, and symptoms can vary depending on the dog’s immune response and the virus’s severity. Dogs are also at risk of secondary bacterial infections that can affect the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.

Stage One:

• Fever
• Eye Discharge
• Clear Nasal Discharge
• Coughing and Sneezing
• Lethargy
• Vomiting and Diarrhea
• Loss of Appetite

Stage Two:

• Head Tilt
• Circling
• Partial or Full Paralysis
• Nystagmus
• Seizures
• Muscle Twitching
• Convulsions

If left untreated, neurological complications can become permanent or fatal.

Prevention Is Key
The best defense against canine distemper is vaccination. The DHPP or DA2PP vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus (Hepatitis), Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) is a core vaccine recommended for all dogs and included in all our Canine Whiskers Advantage Plans. The typical vaccination schedule for puppies is a series of three vaccines, with the first vaccine given between 6 and 8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Once they have completed the vaccine series, adult dogs receive booster vaccines every year. It is best to avoid contact between your puppy and unknown dogs until their vaccine series is complete.

Treatment and Care
Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper—treatment focuses on supportive care, such as:

• Managing dehydration and secondary infections
• Controlling seizures and neurological symptoms
• Providing good nutrition and nursing car

With prompt veterinary attention, some dogs can recover, but prevention remains far more effective than treatment.

Why Distemper Still Matters
Even though vaccines are widely available, distemper outbreaks still occur—especially in areas with unvaccinated dogs or stray populations. By vaccinating your pet and encouraging others to do the same, you help protect not just your own dog, but your entire community’s animal population.

If you suspect your dog is showing symptoms, please contact us right away, as early intervention is critical.