Distemper, a Viral Infectious Disease that Attacks Dogs

Canine distemper is an infectious disease caused by a paramyxovirus. This disease is more common in dogs, especially those that have not had their full vaccinations and puppies under 4 months of age.

Generally, paramyxovirus is spread through the air or direct contact with the saliva of infected animals. Distemper transmission can also be through the use of food or drinking bowls, toys, and beds that are also used by dogs with distemper.

Reporting from scholfield veterinary Distemper is usually found more often in dogs who live with other dogs, for example in animal shelters. Although it’s more common in dogs, distemper can also occur in other types of animals, such as cats, ferrets, raccoons, and foxes.

Distemper Symptoms in Dogs

Distemper in dogs can attack the respiratory tract, digestive tract, skin, immune system and brain. After being exposed to the virus that causes distemper, dogs will usually experience symptoms of this disease within 3–6 days. The following are some of the symptoms of distemper that dogs can experience:

Fever
Sneezing and coughing
Eyes red, watery, and bloody
Less willing to eat and drink
Vomit
Diarrhea
Bloody bowel movements
Sluggish
Hard to breathe

In some cases, untreated distemper can cause other symptoms, such as dry paw pads and a dog’s nose, which makes him feel uncomfortable.

Distemper can also attack a dog’s nervous system and brain and cause symptoms similar to rabies, such as head tilting, excessive drooling, convulsions, tremors, muscle stiffness and twitching, and difficulty or pain when moving.

Once infected with the virus that causes distemper, dogs can transmit this virus to other dogs and animals over the next few months.

Treatment of Distemper in Dogs

Until now, distemper can not be cured. However, treatment can be given to treat the symptoms of distemper experienced by dogs and prevent dangerous complications from occurring.

Therefore, if your beloved dog has symptoms of distemper or has had close contact with other dogs or animals affected by distemper, you should immediately take him to the vet.

To treat distemper in dogs, doctors can give fluids through IVs or electrolyte drinks to treat dehydration. the doctor will also give antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections in dogs, for example pneumonia.

Meanwhile, if the dog has seizures due to distemper, the doctor can give anti-seizure drugs.

How to Prevent Distemper in Dogs

Even though distemper is an infectious and dangerous disease, there are ways you can do to prevent dogs from getting distemper, one of which is by administering a distemper vaccine.

This vaccine can be given to dogs starting from 6 weeks old and will be repeated every 3 years.

If your dog cannot be vaccinated, you should avoid meeting or placing it with other dogs, especially dogs that are at risk for distemper or who have not been vaccinated.

Apart from vaccination, distemper can also be prevented by maintaining the cleanliness of the place where you live and where you eat and drink.

Chances of recovery for dogs affected by distemper vary greatly, some are in a rapidly deteriorating condition, some are able to recover and recover quickly. One thing is certain, this disease must be treated by a veterinarian immediately so as not to cause dangerous complications in dogs.

Therefore, if you see your dog experiencing the symptoms of distemper as described above, immediately take him to the doctor so that your dog gets the right treatment.