Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a virus that attacks the digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs.

It spreads easily from dog to dog by urine, saliva, blood, sharing food bowls, and even airborne exposure.

There are two stages of symptoms in canine distemper.

Fever, nose and ocular discharge, tiredness, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting are symptoms of the initial stage.

The symptoms will grow more severe as the disease attacks the central nervous system in the second stage.

Here, the dog may suffer head shake, partial or complete paralyzes, convulsions, muscle twitching, and, in some instances, death may occur.

Dogs who survive the virus's acute stage may develop hyperkeratosis of the paw pads and snout.

Thus, their nose and paw pads may harden and grow, which can be extremely painful.

Canine distemper is one of the most dangerous infections your dog may develop, but it's also one of the easiest to prevent.

Ensure that your puppy has received full rounds of distemper vaccines and that those immunizations are kept up to date throughout your dog's life.

Make every effort to avoid any vaccination gaps.

Keep your dog away from any other diseased animals or wildlife if at all feasible.