A few years ago, there were reports of increased cases of distemper in dogs around the UAE. This is a viral disease that affects not only dogs but also some wildlife animals. Without knowledge of how to prevent your dog from getting distemper, an outbreak can easily happen at any time.

As a pet owner, you must learn about this fatal disease to prevent it from infecting your dog. And if your dog unfortunately contracts the distemper virus, you should know what to do. 

We’ll dive into the causes of distemper in dogs and how it is transmitted. Understand how to spot the symptoms to get prompt treatments and why vaccination is the best way to prevent your canine companion from contracting the disease.

What Is Distemper in Dogs?

Canine distemper is a severe viral illness that’s caused by the canine distemper virus or CDV. It affects different parts of a dog’s body, including the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. 

Diagnosing distemper in dogs can be challenging as it shares various symptoms similar to other diseases, like canine parvovirus and kennel cough.

The virus can easily spread to other dogs because it’s a type of airborne disease. Dogs with weak immune systems are the most vulnerable to infection. 

Causes of Canine Distemper

Dogs can contract the distemper virus through another animal that’s infected. Being in the same room with an infected dog or close contact can infect your canine companion. 

When an infected dog sneezes, coughs, or barks, the virus disperses into the air. Healthy dogs that inhale the virus-filled droplets in the air can get infected. However, this isn’t the only dog that can get distemper.

• Contaminated Objects – The virus can attach itself to objects like food and water bowls. If your dog gets in close contact with any item that an infected dog has used, they may contract the virus.

• Bodily Fluids – Your dog can get infected with distemper if they also come in contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids, like vomit or urine. They’re at risk of infection if they sniff or lick these fluids.

• Wildlife Encounters – Dogs that love to go outdoors can be at risk of distemper. This is because they can acquire the virus from wild animals like foxes and other carnivores.

Distemper in dogs is dangerous in unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months old. They have compromised immune systems, so they easily get infected. If they live in shelters or in homes with multiple dogs, the risks become higher.

Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs

Canine distemper has two stages. Each stage has varying symptoms as the infection progresses. The early stage has milder symptoms, but the next stage would show more serious signs. 

Stage 1: The Early Stage Symptoms

The first phase of distemper in dogs can easily be mistaken for a simple cold. This is why, at the first sign of these symptoms, it’s advised to take your dog to the vet clinic.

• Loss of appetite

• Increase body temperature or fever

• Yellow or green eye discharge

• Nasal discharge

• Coughing and sneezing

• Vomiting and diarrhea

Stage 2: The Progressive Stage Symptoms

After the initial stage, the distemper virus can progress to a more fatal condition when your dog isn’t treated immediately. The presence of the symptoms below is a sign that you must call the emergency vet clinic.

• Neurological symptoms include head tilting, circling, seizures, and muscle twitching.

• Respiratory distress like breathing difficulties, severe pneumonia, and chronic coughing

• Hard pad disease or the crusting of the footpads and nose

• Partial or total paralysis

How Is Distemper Diagnosed in Dogs?

With the advancement of veterinary medicine, diagnosing distemper in dogs has become quicker and easier. Vet clinics that are equipped with these technologies and tools can help detect the virus in your dog early to treat them as soon as possible.

Vets in Dubai use PCR testing or serology tests to detect the distemper virus in dogs. The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing detects the distemper virus in blood, urine, or other bodily fluid samples. At the same time, the serology test can measure antibodies in a dog.

With these tests and assessing the clinical signs in your dog, veterinarians can assess whether your pet has distemper or not. When the vet detects distemper in your dog in the early stage, the chances of survival become high since they can treat your companion immediately.

Treatment of Distemper in Dogs

As of this moment, there is no cure for distemper in dogs. This is why treatment plans for infected dogs focus on supportive care to manage the symptoms as they try to fight off the virus.

It’s recommended that dogs be hospitalized when diagnosed with distemper. At the pet hospital, vets and staff support your dog’s recovery by using IV fluids for dehydration, antibiotics for secondary infections, and medicines to prevent vomiting.

When the distemper infection has already progressed to the second stage, oxygen therapy might be needed to treat pneumonia. Medication for seizures and stronger antibiotics for infections may also be administered.

According to the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, the survival rate of adult dogs with distemper is 50%, while distemper in puppies only has a 20% chance to survive.

Even after treatments and surviving distemper, dogs can have long-term neurological issues, including seizures and twitching. When your dog survives distemper, you will need to monitor their health constantly and may require more frequent vet visits.

Preventing Canine Distemper with Vaccination

A dog that survives distemper may have a lower quality of life due to the long-term effects of the disease. This is why preventing distemper infection must be a priority for pet owners.

One of the sure ways to help protect your dog from distemper is through vaccinations. In Dubai, vet clinics offer the core vaccination called DA2PP. This vaccine offers combined protection against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. 

Distemper vaccination must be given to puppies when they’re 6 to 8 weeks old. The next vaccine shots will be given in 4-week intervals until they reach 16 weeks old. Depending on your dog’s risk exposure, distemper booster shots will be recommended by your vet every 1 to 3 years. 

Vaccinated dogs will have lower risks of contracting the distemper virus. Still, you must do your part as a pet owner to keep your dog from getting exposed as much as possible. Be vigilant in public places like dog parks and pet boarding facilities, as your dog can be exposed to infected animals in these areas. 

If your dog is showing signs of distemper, it’s crucial to bring it to your vet as soon as possible. If you have multiple pets in your home, isolate your dog until you can bring them to the vet. You should also disinfect your home if your dog is positive for distemper. 

Conclusion

Distemper in dogs has no cure, but it’s easy to prevent. By vaccinating your puppy on time and following your vet’s recommended vaccine schedule, you can protect your dog from contracting this fatal disease.

It’s important not to ignore any mild symptoms of colds and coughs because these may be signs that your dog is already suffering from a serious illness. 

With regular vet consultations and proper pet care knowledge, you can help your dog be healthy and have a strong immune system to prevent severe health conditions. Remember that prevention should be your priority when it comes to distemper in dogs.