A few years ago, there were reports of increased cases of distemper in dogs around the UAE. This is a respiratory virus that affects dogs and also impacts wildlife, including foxes and raccoons. 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.
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.
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
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.
Increase body temperature or fever
Yellow or green eye discharge
Nasal discharge
Coughing and sneezing
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 signs may appear, such as 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 more efficient and accessible. Many vet clinics in Dubai, including ours, now use advanced tools to detect the virus early, giving your dog the best chance at recovery.
The two most common diagnostic methods are PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing and serology tests. PCR can identify the distemper virus from samples like blood, urine, or other body fluids by detecting viral genetic material. Serology tests, on the other hand, measure the level of antibodies in your dog’s system, which helps confirm exposure to the virus.
Veterinarians combine these test results with a thorough clinical assessment of symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. When caught early, the chances of recovery significantly improve, allowing vets to begin supportive treatment for distemper right away.
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 as part of your puppy’s vaccination schedule, typically starting at 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.
“In Dubai, we often see unvaccinated puppies develop severe complications from distemper. Sometimes, within just days of exposure. Early detection and supportive care can save lives, but prevention through timely vaccination is still the most powerful tool we have.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
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.
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