Distemper is a highly contagious, potentially fatal, viral disease that can affect multiple organs including the brain, skin, eyes, intestinal and respiratory tracts of dogs. It can be transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected animals, including respiratory secretions.
Distemper is found in multiple species including dogs, wolves, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, mink and ferrets. Pets that are young and unvaccinated or older and not regularly vaccinated each year are prone to contracting the Distemper virus. Once an animal is infected with Distemper it takes 5-9 days for symptoms to occur. These symptoms include: fever, no appetite, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, thick yellow-green discharge from the nose and eyes, and pneumonia. Eventually the dog may develop the classic “gum chewing” sign or convulsions. There is no medical treatment for the Distemper virus, therefore animals are treated symptomatically.
Distemper can be prevented by beginning vaccinations at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Then yearly booster vaccinations are strongly recommended to ensure proper immunity.