CDV causes a highly severe and infectious disease that affects dogs of all kinds. It’s difficult to diagnose and can be hard to pinpoint in the early stages. What's worse is that this disease cannot be cured and can only be managed. 

But before all that, we’ll talk about what the distemper virus in dogs is and share everything you need to know to protect your dog from it. 

What Is Distemper in Dogs?

It’s 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.

Among all contagious dog diseases, distemper is one of the most aggressive and challenging to treat once symptoms set in. Dogs with weak immune systems are the most vulnerable to infection. 

How Do Dogs Get Distemper?

The distemper virus in dogs can spread in various ways.

Direct Contact

Dogs can contract the distemper virus through contact with another infected animal. This means that dogs that stay close together in boarding facilities, kennels, and shelters will be at risk. 

Airborne Droplets

The virus can spread into the air when an infected dog sneezes, coughs, or barks. 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 an object that an infected dog has used, this can be a cause of infection.

Bodily Fluids

Your dog can get infected with distemper if it comes 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 contract the virus from wild animals like foxes and other carnivores.

Which Dogs Are at Risk?

Some dogs are prone to CDV, namely:

• Puppies

• Unvaccinated dogs

• Shelter and kennel dogs

• Dogs exposed to wildlife

• Free-roaming dogs

What Are the Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs?

Canine distemper has three main stages. Each stage has varying symptoms as the infection progresses. The early stage has milder symptoms, with worsening signs in later stages.

Stage 1: Early Infection (Day 3-6)

The first phase of distemper in dogs can easily be mistaken for a simple cold. These include:

• Fever. Dogs with distemper often develop a rise in body temperature. This means that their immune systems are fighting the virus.

• Lethargy. Affected dogs can also become unusually tired and lethargic. They'll be more inclined to rest instead of playing.

• Loss of appetite. Because of the constant discomfort, dogs will lose interest in food. They might not respond well when given food or their favorite treats.

• Nasal and eye discharge. Dogs can have watery or thick discharge on the nose and eyes. This will make seeing and breathing more difficult.  

Stage 2: Respiratory and GI (Day 7-14)

• Coughing and sneezing. Because distemper affects the airways, leading to coughing and sneezing. These are among the reasons it’s commonly mistaken for kennel cough. 

• Vomiting and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea are also to be expected with distemper. This can lead to dehydration long-term. 

• Breathing problems. Affected dogs can also experience worsening respiratory symptoms, such as labored breathing and pneumonia. 

Stage 3: Neurological and Late-Stage (Day 15+)

By this stage, the distemper virus can progress to a more severe and fatal condition if your dog isn’t treated immediately. If you notice any of these, you must bring in your dog for emergency vet care.

• Muscle twitches or tremors. In the later stages, affected dogs will be shaking and twitching. This is commonly observed in the face and legs. 

• Seizures. Some dogs can develop seizures that look like full-body convulsions. These episodes can become frequent as the disease progresses. 

• Loss of balance and coordination. Dogs may also stumble, fall, or have difficulty walking straight. This happens because the virus has damaged the vestibular system. 

• Behavioral changes. CDV can also alter the dog’s behavior and personality, which means that they’ll be confused, circling, anxious, withdrawn, or aggressive. 

• Other possible symptoms. In some cases, dogs can also have head tilting or involuntary eye movements.