Canine Distemper in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Canine distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects multiple organ systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It primarily affects unvaccinated puppies and dogs, but it can also infect wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, and ferrets.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures is essential for dog owners to protect their pets from this serious disease.

What is canine distemper?

Canine distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus, which belongs to the same family as the measles virus. The disease spreads rapidly and has a high mortality rate, especially in young or immunocompromised dogs. Dogs that survive often suffer from long-term neurological damage.

How is canine distemper transmitted?

Canine distemper spreads through direct and indirect contact with infected animals.

Ways the virus spreads

• Aerosol transmission, where dogs inhale virus particles from infected dogs' coughing or sneezing
• Direct contact with infected saliva, nasal discharge, urine, or faeces
• Sharing contaminated objects such as food bowls, toys, and bedding
• Human transmission, where the virus is carried on hands, clothing, or shoes
• Infected wildlife, such as foxes or raccoons, acting as a reservoir for the virus

The virus can survive for a short time in the environment, particularly in cold conditions, but it is easily destroyed by disinfectants.

Symptoms of canine distemper

Canine distemper symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection and the body systems affected. Symptoms may appear one to four weeks after exposure to the virus.

Early symptoms

• Fever
• Lethargy and depression
• Loss of appetite
• Watery or thick discharge from the nose and eyes
• Sneezing and coughing

Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe coughing
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Weight loss

Neurological symptoms

• Muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Head tilting
• Loss of coordination
• Partial or complete paralysis

Dogs that develop neurological symptoms often have a poorer prognosis. Seizures may start with facial twitching and progress to full-body convulsions.

Long-term effects

Dogs that survive canine distemper may suffer from permanent damage to the nervous system, causing tremors, weakness, or ongoing seizures. Some dogs also develop hardened footpads and noses, a condition known as hard pad disease.

Diagnosing canine distemper

A vet will diagnose canine distemper based on clinical signs, medical history, and diagnostic tests.

Common diagnostic methods

• Physical examination to check for respiratory and neurological signs
• Blood tests to assess white blood cell levels and overall health
• Polymerase chain reaction tests to detect the virus in blood, urine, or nasal swabs
• Imaging such as X-rays to check for pneumonia in severe cases

Early diagnosis improves the chances of survival, but there is no specific cure for the disease.

Treatment for canine distemper

There is no antiviral treatment for canine distemper, so care focuses on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections.

Supportive care includes

• Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
• Anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea medication
• Antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections
• Anti-seizure medication for neurological symptoms
• Pain relief if the dog is experiencing discomfort

Dogs with mild symptoms may recover with home care, but severe cases often require hospitalisation.

Recovery and aftercare

Dogs that survive canine distemper need ongoing care to manage any long-term effects.

Aftercare for recovering dogs

• Feeding a high-quality diet to support the immune system
• Providing a quiet and stress-free environment
• Monitoring for any ongoing neurological symptoms
• Ensuring regular veterinary check-ups

Some dogs may experience lifelong tremors or seizures, requiring long-term medication.

How to prevent canine distemper

Vaccination and good hygiene are the most effective ways to prevent canine distemper.

Vaccination schedule

• Puppies should receive their first vaccination at six to eight weeks old
• Booster vaccines should be given every three to four weeks until sixteen weeks old
• Adult dogs should receive booster shots every one to three years, depending on veterinary recommendations

Until puppies are fully vaccinated, they should be kept away from unvaccinated dogs and high-risk environments.

Additional prevention measures

• Avoid contact with infected dogs or wildlife
• Disinfect shared dog items such as food bowls, bedding, and toys
• Wash hands and change clothes after handling unfamiliar dogs
• Keep unvaccinated puppies away from dog parks, kennels, and shelters

Can humans get canine distemper?

Canine distemper does not infect humans, but people can carry the virus on their hands, clothing, and shoes, spreading it to other dogs. Regular handwashing and disinfecting surfaces help prevent transmission.

Is canine distemper always fatal?

Canine distemper has a high mortality rate, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Survival depends on the severity of symptoms and how quickly treatment is started. Dogs that recover may have lifelong neurological issues.

When to see a vet

Immediate veterinary care is required if a dog shows any of the following symptoms

• Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhoea leading to dehydration
• Thick nasal or eye discharge
• Muscle twitching or seizures
• Loss of balance or signs of paralysis

Prompt treatment improves the chances of survival, but prevention through vaccination is the best way to protect dogs from canine distemper.

Conclusion

Canine distemper is a serious and often fatal disease, but it is preventable through vaccination. Understanding the symptoms, transmission, and treatment options allows dog owners to take proactive steps in protecting their pets.

Regular vaccinations, avoiding contact with infected dogs, and maintaining good hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of canine distemper. If a dog shows any signs of infection, immediate veterinary care is crucial to improving survival chances.