Distemper – Understand the disease that affects dogs

distemper – understand the disease that affects dogs

When taking care of pets, guardians must be attentive to various signs of the onset of diseases, especially to the vaccination of the little animals. Therefore, do you know what distemper is? The disease can be quite serious for the health of the animal.

With that in mind, we have prepared this article for you to better understand what distemper is in dogs, what are the main symptoms that may arise, the types of treatments available, and how to protect your little dog from the disease.

What is canine distemper?

Canine distemper is a disease caused by the virus known as CDV, or Canine Distemper Virus. The disease is known to mainly affect puppies or canids with a weakened immune system.

The disease can manifest in the dogs’ bodies in different ways, potentially compromising the respiratory system, causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, or even immunosuppression, weakening the immune system.

Canine distemper is dangerous for dogs and can often lead to death, especially in those with compromised health. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly identify the signs.

Disease Transmission

The transmission of distemper can occur in different ways, mainly through the air. There are other forms of disease transmission, such as direct contact with the infected dog, contact with the nasal secretions of these animals, and surfaces or objects, such as toys, accessories, water bowls, and feeders.

The virus remains alive on surfaces outside the dogs’ bodies for only a few hours, but this is not a reason to neglect care. It is important to keep all objects and surfaces that dogs come into contact with during the day clean to prevent the virus from spreading.

The disease is highly contagious and can affect dogs that are not properly vaccinated. It is essential to remember that precautions should be increased for dogs that frequent places where there are other pets, such as parks and other dog gathering establishments.

Symptoms of distemper

In addition to understanding what distemper is, it is essential to know that the disease can manifest in various ways in a dog’s body. Depending on the level of immunity, some dogs may find it easier to expel the virus, while others may struggle more. Canine distemper has different symptoms that can be presented.

Cutaneous Form:

• Pus-filled bumps may appear in certain areas, especially on the abdomen, paws, and nose. Skin eruptions and conjunctivitis may also occur.

Digestive Form:

• In the digestive phase, distemper in dogs can present symptoms such as diarrhea, sometimes with blood in the feces, and the onset of fever. In this form, dogs may show weakness.

Respiratory Form:

• The respiratory form of distemper can cause respiratory complications in dogs, such as nasal secretions, coughs with phlegm, and the development of pneumonia.

Neurological Form:

• It is usually in the neurological phase that guardians begin to notice signs of the disease in dogs. In this phase, they may exhibit tremors, lack of motor coordination, and seizures.

Distemper can progress in the dogs’ bodies, but not all dogs that contract the virus develop all stages of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to always be alert to the emergence of signs and urgently take the pet to the veterinarian.

Is there a cure for distemper?

Guardians may wonder if distemper has a cure for dogs. Therefore, this is a disease that does not have any cure, but treatments can be performed to strengthen the dogs’ bodies and help them fight the infection and survive the disease.

When identifying the presence of the virus in dogs, veterinarians may request some tests to assess the problems and appropriate treatments to strengthen the dogs’ immune systems, preventing the disease’s development.

How to protect the dog against distemper?

In addition to knowing what distemper is, it is important to keep dogs protected against the virus. And for the happiness of the guardians, there is already a vaccine against the virus. As it is a disease that can mainly affect puppies, it is necessary to pay attention to the vaccine application schedule, which usually occurs after 45 days of life.

Known as V8, V10, and V11, the vaccines that offer protection against distemper should be administered in three doses, with an interval of 20 to 30 days. During this period, it is essential to avoid taking the dog out, especially in places where there are other dogs. As mentioned, it is necessary to clean objects and accessories.

Once the vaccination schedule is completed, walks are allowed. However, dogs need to receive a vaccine dose annually to reinforce the immune system. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to understand in detail what distemper is and what the best vaccination schedule is for the little dog, whether it is an adult or a puppy.

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