What is Canine Distemper?

How is Canine Distemper virus spread?

What dogs are at risk?

Canine distemper is a highlycontagious and serious diseasecaused by a virus that attacks therespiratory, gastrointestinal, and,often, the nervous systems ofpuppies and dogs. The virus alsoinfects wild canids (e.g. foxes,wolves, coyotes), raccoons, skunks,and ferrets.

Puppies and dogs usually become infected through airborneexposure to the virus contained in respiratory secretions ofan infected dog or wild animal. Outbreaks of distemper tendto be sporadic. Because canine distemper also affects wildlifepopulations, contact between wild canids and domestic dogsmay facilitate spread of the virus.

All dogs are at risk but puppies younger than four monthsold and dogs that have not been vaccinated against caninedistemper are at increased risk of acquiring the disease.

What are some signs of Canine Distemper? The first sign of distemper is eye discharge that may appearwatery to pus-like. Subsequently, dogs develop fever, nasaldischarge, coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting,and diarrhea. In later stages, the virus may attack the nervoussystem, bringing about seizures, twitching, or partial orcomplete paralysis. Occasionally, the virus may cause footpadsto harden. Distemper is often fatal. Even if a dog does notdie from the disease, canine distemper virus can causeirreparable damage to a dog’s nervous system. Distemper isso serious and the signs so varied that any sick dog shouldbe taken to a veterinarian for an examination and diagnosis.

How is Canine Distemper diagnosed and treated? Veterinarians diagnose canine distemper on the basis ofclinical appearance and laboratory tests. No specific drugis available that will kill the virus in infected dogs. Treatmentconsists primarily of efforts to prevent secondary infections;control vomiting, diarrhea, or neurologic symptoms; andcombat dehydration through administration of fluids. Illdogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care, andbe separated from other dogs.

How is Canine Distemper prevented? Vaccination and avoiding contact with infected animals arekey elements of canine distemper prevention.

FERRETCOYOTE

RACCOON

Vaccination is important. Young puppies are very susceptibleto infection, particularly because the natural immunityprovided in their mothers’ milk may wear off before thepuppies’ own immune systems are mature enough to fightoff infection. If a puppy is exposed to canine distemper virusduring this gap in protection, it may become ill. An additionalconcern is that immunity provided by a mother’s milk mayinterfere with an effective response to vaccination. Thismeans even vaccinated puppiesmay occasionally succumb todistemper. To narrow gaps inprotection and optimally defendagainst canine distemper duringthe first few months of life, aseries of vaccinations isadministered.

Until a puppy has received itscomplete series of vaccinations,pet owners should use cautionwhen taking their pet to placeswhere young puppies congregate (e.g. pet shops, parks, puppyclasses, obedience classes, doggy daycare, and groomingestablishments). Reputable establishments and trainingprograms reduce exposure risk by requiring vaccinations,

Revised 1/08Printed in the USA

American Veterinary Medical Association1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 - 4360Phone: 847-925-8070 • Fax: 847-925-1329www.avma.org

Although this brochure provides basic information aboutcanine distemper, your veterinarian is always your best sourceof health information. Consult your veterinarian for moreinformation about canine distemper and its prevention.

health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of ill puppiesand dogs.

To protect their adult dogs, pet owners should be sure thattheir dog’s distemper vaccination is up-to-date. Ask yourveterinarian about a recommended vaccination program foryour canine companion.

Contact with known infected dogs should always be avoided.Similarly, contact with raccoons, foxes, skunks, and otherpotentially infected wildlife should be discouraged.

And Now A Note On Your Pet’sGeneral Good Health

• Lumps or swelling• Reduced or excessive appetite or water intake• Marked weight loss or gain• Limping, stiffness, or difficulty getting up or down• Difficult, discolored, excessive or uncontrolled waste elimination (urine and feces)• Abnormal discharges from any body opening• Head shaking, scratching, licking, or coat irregularities• Changes in behavior or fatigue• Foul breath or excessive tartar deposits on teethPets age more rapidly than people and can develop disease conditionsthat can go unnoticed, even to the most attentive pet owner.Veterinarians are skilled in detecting conditions that have gradualonset and subtle signs. Early detection allows problems to be treatedmost easily and affordably. Help foster early detectionand treatment by scheduling regular examinations.

A healthy pet is a happy companion. Your pet’s daily well-beingrequires regular care and close attention to any hint of ill health. TheAmerican Veterinary Medical Association suggests that you consultyour veterinarian if your pet shows any of the following signs: