Canine distemper is a serious and highly contagious viral disease that can prove fatalistic to your dog’s life. The virus can be easily transmitted through respiratory secretions, such as sneezing, coughing and salivating. It can also be passed on through the feces and urine of an infected dog.

Although it is mainly puppies and young dogs aged between 3-6 months who are in the highest risk bracket, older dogs that haven’t been exposed and built up immunity to the virus may also be at risk of contraction. For dogs who have not been vaccinated there is a risk from contamination after contact with wild animals for example coyotes, raccoons, skunks, wolves, foxes and wild dogs.

The distemper virus attacks the brain cells, skin cells, conjunctiva, mucous membrane and intestines. Recognizing the symptoms and acting fast may save your dog’s life.

The first known case was found in 1905 by French veterinarian Henri Carre, the disease is closely related to the measles virus strain found in humans. At this time however it was first thought to be related to the plague. It affects a wide number of wild animals and has even been associated with the near extinction of the black footed ferret and may have also played a role in the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger.

The symptoms

The symptoms can start to appear 3-6 days after contraction. The first signs are similar to that of a cold. The dog will develop a fever of around 103-106 Fahrenheit. The normal body temperature of a healthy dog should be around 100.5-102.5F.The dog may also show signs of lethargy, depression, loss of appetite and a watery discharge of the eyes and nose.

Over the next few days the watery discharge will thicken to a ropey, yellow, sticky discharge, the dog may develop a dry cough. They will also suffer from vomiting and diarrhea running the risk of dehydration. Over the next two weeks your dog could show signs of improvement before suffering a relapse.

The second stage of distemper could include your dog having epileptic like seizures, paddling, tremors, excessive slobbering, wandering aimlessly, shying away from their owner, and appearing blind. Seizures involving the dog involuntarily moving its jaw – as though chewing gum is unique There is also a symptom known as hard pad in which the dogs paw pads and nose will harden and develop a scaly texture. Neurological damage can occur 2-3 weeks after the infection and over 50 percent of dogs diagnosed at this stage are either euthanized or die from the disease.

The Treatment

Prevention is better than a cure when it comes to canine distemper. Puppies should begin their inoculations at 6-8 weeks and receive boosters every 2-3 weeks until they are 14-16 weeks old. It is advised you keep up to date with all of your dog’s vaccinations. If Canine Distemper is suspected then immediate professional help is highly recommended. Although there is no known cure for the disease your vet can offer treatment of intravenous fluids, antibiotics and ant seizure medication. However if veterinary care cannot be immediately sought there are a few steps you can take at home to possibly aid your pets survival.

First and foremost it is very important that you isolate your dog from any other household pets. At the onset of fever have the dog fast on vegetable broth and water; dogs can survive for weeks without the intake of solid food, although only a few days should be sufficient for your dog’s temperature to reduce back to normal. Give your dog vitamin C tablets every two hours to help boost their immune system. For small dogs a dosage of 250mg is recommended, for medium sized dogs 500mg, and for large dogs 1000mg. avoid giving them a dose in the evening so their system can recover overnight.

If your dog is suffering from discharge and skin problems then cod liver oil may help them heal. Supplement their diet with lots of vitamin B and freshly grated garlic. However your dog’s survival rate will highly depend on how fast you are able to seek professional medical help.

The statistics

Canine distemper is fatal in over fifty percent of adult dogs and eighty percent of puppies. It is the second biggest canine killer after rabies. Death occurs between two week and three months after contracting the infection.

The main cause of death comes from neurological complications to the central nervous system; at this stage most vets will recommend euthanasia.

Canine distemper cannot be contracted by humans if they have immunity to measles they are protected against canine distemper also but is highly contagious to other dogs.

The virus cannot live outside the hosts’ body for more than a few minutes.