Distemper In Dogs: Symptoms, Contagion, Treatment, Cures

Canine distemper is considered one of the most serious diseases that a dog can contract. Given its highly contagious nature, the condition has been a major cause of death not only for domestic dogs but for other animals as well.

Keep reading below and find out everything you need to know about distemper in dogs: what causes it, what its symptoms are, how it is transmitted, how it is diagnosed, and what its treatment consists of.

You will also be able to see information on the main risk factors, the importance of vaccination, the proper diet for a dog with distemper, and the use of home remedies during its recovery.

Note. Official sources, such as the Merck Veterinary Manual, the specialized website Fetch by WebMD, and the American Veterinary Medical Association, were consulted during the writing of this article. Even so, consider that the information provided is not intended to replace the diagnosis and guidance of your veterinarian.

What is distemper and what causes it?

Distemper disease is a viral infection that mainly affects dogs, although it can also infect some wild animals, such as ferrets, skunks, and raccoons. The dog is considered a “reservoir host,” meaning that the distemper virus prefers to infect dogs and use them as a source of infection.

It is a disease of multi-systemic action, which damages the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, as well as the conjunctival membranes of the eye. In many cases, distemper is usually fatal.

If like many other dog owners you have been wondering what the exact cause of this condition is, you may be interested to know that distemper is caused by a type of paramyxovirus closely related to the measles and rinderpest viruses. It is commonly known as the canine distemper virus.

What are the symptoms of distemper in dogs?

A very frequent question is: How to know if my dog has a distemper?

The first thing to keep in mind is that dogs with distemper can experience a wide variety of symptoms, depending on how advanced the disease is. Your dog could show symptoms of infection in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, brain, and spinal cord.

In general, these are the common signs and symptoms of distemper in dogs:

Fever
Nasal and eye discharge (watery and clear, or thick and purulent)

loss of appetite
Lethargy
Vomiting and diarrhea

Cough and sneeze
Difficulty breathing
Hardening of the nose and paw pads

Inflammation of various parts of the eye
Changes in tooth enamel
Secondary bacterial infections (pneumonia)

After several weeks, different neurological symptoms may appear, including:

Muscle spasms
Weakness or paralysis

Uncoordinated movements
Increased sensitivity to touch or pain
Seizures

Note. Seizures can occur anywhere on the body, but those in which the dog appears to be “chewing gum” are unique to distemper.

Typically, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms appear before neurological symptoms.

See below: Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea and Vomiting? What I can do?

Symptoms of canine distemper by stages

First stage

The first symptom of distemper in dogs is usually a watery or purulent discharge from the eyes, followed by fever, loss of appetite, and a clear nasal discharge. Most infected dogs develop a fever around 3-6 days after infection, but the initial symptoms will always depend on how the pet reacts and how severe it is.

Common symptoms in the early stages of canine distemper are fever, abnormal discharge (eyes and nose), lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough.

The acute phase of the distemper is also characterized by hardening and enlargement of the pads and nose (hyperkeratosis).

Second stage

Once the virus progresses and attacks the central nervous system, the dog may begin to show neurological symptoms. These signs are particularly unsettling for homeowners.

Turns in a circle
Partial or total paralysis
Seizures

Nystagmus (involuntary, repetitive eye movements)
Muscle spasms
Convulsions with increased salivation and chewing movements

In its most advanced stages, canine distemper can result in the death of the animal.

Always consult the veterinarian if your dog exhibits suspicious symptoms that may be associated with distemper. This is especially important if it is an unvaccinated dog or puppy.

How does contagion occur?

Canine distemper can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal or object, through the air, and through the placenta. A healthy dog can easily become infected if it comes into contact with the urine, blood, or saliva of another dog with distemper.

Exposure to infected air. A dog or other animal that has a distemper can release saliva droplets when coughing, sneezing, or barking. These droplets can remain circulating in the air as an aerosol, or fall on nearby surfaces.

Contact with contaminated objects or substances. This is another very common form of infection. Your pet can contract the canine distemper virus by coming into contact with infected containers, toys, food, and water.
Contact with the mother’s blood during pregnancy. Females can transmit distemper to their offspring through the placenta, hence the importance of vaccinating the pet if you want to breed.

7 canine distemper facts

Dogs infected with distemper can shed the virus for several months, increasing the risk of contagion to other dogs.

This virus does not survive long in the environment and can be killed by most disinfectants.
The contagion does not only occur from dog to dog, but also from wild animal to dog. Remember that raccoons, foxes, wolves, coyotes, skunks, ferrets, and mink can also be infected. An outbreak of distemper in the local wild population can put domestic dogs at increased risk of contracting the disease.
The living conditions of some shelters and rescue centers (overcrowding, stress, etc.) tend to exacerbate the incidence of canine distemper.

The incubation period from exposure to the virus to the development of the first clinical signs in an unvaccinated dog can range from 1 to 6 weeks. Most dogs show symptoms within 1-4 weeks.
Infected dogs can transmit distemper as early as 5 days before the onset of symptoms.
After recovery, a dog can continue to shed the virus for up to 4 months.

Which dogs are more prone to distemper?

All dogs can get canine distemper, but young puppies (less than 4 months old) and dogs that have not been vaccinated against the virus are most at risk of infection.

This is usually quite common in puppies and adolescent dogs that have been purchased from pet stores, or whose vaccination history is unknown. Puppies born to mothers who have not been vaccinated are also extremely susceptible.

Once infected with distemper, the pup is severely debilitated. The virus can quickly reach the brain, causing seizures and tremors. In addition, your depressed immune system leaves you open to other infections. One of the secondary infections of distemper in puppies is pneumonia.

Diagnosis: how is the infection confirmed?

Diagnosing a dog with a distemper is not always an easy task. On the one hand, the symptoms are highly variable and may take time to appear; on the other, secondary infections are common and cause similar symptoms.

Definitive diagnosis is achieved through a number of procedures, but there is no specific test to determine whether or not a dog has distemper.

The veterinarian usually begins with a complete physical examination of the pet, evaluating parameters such as weight, heart rate, and rectal temperature. He can also ask key questions about your history (health, adoption, vaccinations).

If the distemper is suspected, a group of tests is indicated, such as a blood test to see the count of red blood cells and white blood cells. The early stages of canine distemper are characterized by a state of mild anemia and a low lymphocyte count.

Other diagnostic tests to consider are:

Additional blood tests (identify possible antibodies against the virus, check organ function, etc.)

Urine analysis
Polymerase chain reaction
X-rays of the chest and abdomen (if gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms are present)

Treatment: what is given to a dog with distemper?

The only treatment available is based on supportive care. This may include intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, medications to stop vomiting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce fever, pain, and malaise, and antibiotics to treat any bacterial infections.

Being a virus, antibiotics do not help fight distemper. However, these drugs are often part of the treatment due to the high incidence of secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia.

In dogs with respiratory symptoms, the vet may prescribe physiotherapy and nebulization to loosen and remove any secretions from the lungs.

If the dog is not eating, nutrition can be given through a feeding tube.

In case the distemper is very advanced and the pet has seizures, treatment with anticonvulsant medications is introduced. Some dogs may need steroids to reduce inflammation of the central nervous system.

It should be noted that the neurological symptoms of distemper may progressively worsen and may not respond to treatment; some of them may persist even after recovery.

Does distemper in dogs have a cure?

No. Distemper has no cure . Unfortunately, medical treatment is aimed at controlling and reducing symptoms and other secondary infections, but as yet there is no cure for the disease.

The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis for the dog. But it is known that even with treatment, distemper can often be fatal. Veterinary staff will do their best to support the pet while the virus runs its course, but no medicine can cure it.

What to do if there is a dog with a distemper in the home?

A dog suspected of having a distemper, or one that has been recently diagnosed, should be kept in isolation, especially if there are other dogs in the household. If the other dogs are not vaccinated against canine distemper, it is very important that they are vaccinated as soon as possible.

Being so contagious, the distemper can spread to other dogs that are exposed to the same air, or use the same toys, bowls, food, and clothing as the infected dog. It is necessary to place all these objects in a separate room.

Consider snuggling up the sick dog with extra blankets to keep him warm; this is especially important if he has chills and a fever.

Considering that this virus does not survive long outside the animal’s body, complete disinfection of the house is not as critical as with other infections. Maintaining the usual cleaning routine with a disinfectant may be enough.

Make sure to always consult the veterinarian and follow their recommendations on basic care, isolation, hygiene, medication, feeding, and waiting times.

Prevention: how to prevent distemper infection?

Canine distemper is a preventable disease. Consider the following preventive measures to protect your pets and minimize their risk of contagion:

Make sure the dog receives the full series of distemper vaccinations. If you have a puppy, he should receive his first vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age. It is important to keep him away from any potentially infectious dog or the environment until he has completed vaccination (4-5 months of age).
Avoid skipping the general pet vaccination schedule and keep the distemper vaccine up to date throughout its life.
Keep the dog away from other infected pets and wildlife.

Avoid socializing an unvaccinated puppy or dog, especially in areas where dogs congregate, such as parks, classes, and doggie daycares.
If you have a ferret as a pet, make sure it is also vaccinated against canine distemper.

Is there a vaccine against dog distemper?

Yes. Fortunately, there is an effective vaccine against the canine distemper virus. This is considered a basic and essential vaccine for canine health, just like rabies or parvovirus vaccines. All dogs should receive it unless exempted for a medical reason.

Ideally, puppies are vaccinated every 3-4 weeks, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and ending at 16-20 weeks. A series of vaccinations must be completed to achieve full immunity.

Immunization should be repeated 1 year later, with further periodic activations throughout adult life. Your vet is in charge of creating an appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog, based on history and major risk factors.

Distemper in dogs is highly contagious, but also totally preventable. Timely vaccination is the best way to avoid a case of canine distemper in the home. Vaccinating your dog also helps reduce the risk of infection in immunocompromised adult dogs and those that cannot receive the vaccine.

Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

When should you suspect canine distemper?

Early warning signs of distemper virus include a high fever (=103.5°F or 39.7°C) and a watery discharge from the eyes and nose. The eyes may look unusually red. An infected dog will become tired, lethargic, and lack appetite.

Other common symptoms in the early stages of distemper are persistent cough, diarrhea, and vomiting.

How long does distemper last in dogs?

Although some cases can resolve in as little as 10 days, distemper infection in dogs usually lasts 3-4 months on average. Ultimately, the duration of the distemper will depend on the strength of the dog’s immune system and the particular strain of the virus.

The following simplified timeline shows how the virus develops and what it does in the dog’s body as the weeks go by.

Day 1 . Exposure to the virus occurs.
Day 3-8. The fever appears.
Day 7-12. The fever decreases and gradually disappears.

Day 8-9. The immune system begins to fight the infection.
Day 14-19. A recurrence of fever occurs along with coughing, sneezing, and nasal/eye discharge. Neurological symptoms may follow.
Day 14-35. Death can occur if the dog is severely weakened.

Day 60-90. New neurological symptoms of the disease may appear. The dog continues to shed the virus, so he can infect other dogs for several months.

How should a dog with a distemper be fed?

Although it is normal for the infected dog to feel lethargic and lose his appetite, it is essential to try to keep him hydrated and well-nourished.

Be sure to monitor their food and water intake. If you notice that the water bowl is still full after 1-2 hours, try to encourage the dog to drink. If he refuses, you will have to give him the water manually with the help of a syringe.

The recommended dose of water is 1 cup for every 40 pounds (18.14 kg) of body weight, every 2 to 3 hours. In case of vomiting, start gradually with just 1 or 2 tablespoons every 15 minutes. Another liquid alternative that can be given to a dog with distemper is a little homemade chicken or beef broth (without salt or seasoning).

Now, if your dog does not want to eat his usual food, try giving him a softer and easier-to-digest type of canned food. If he refuses to eat, try to open his mouth and try to feed him with your hand.

Sometimes it is necessary to blend foods to give them with a syringe. To do this, you can blend canned food by adding a little water or broth. Include some scented food that is attractive to your dog, for example, beef or chicken liver.

Note. You should never try to force food on a dog that is vomiting. Make sure you know how to feed and hydrate a vomiting dog.

Another good recommendation is the administration of an appetite stimulant. Remember to always consult your vet before giving this or any other type of medication/vitamin supplement to a dog with distemper.

Can distemper be treated with home remedies?

Although there is no natural treatment capable of curing the distemper virus in dogs, there are some

home remedies that help increase immunity, reduce the intensity of symptoms, fight secondary infections and promote better general health.

These include:

Coldwater compresses fever. Put a clean cloth in a container with plenty of cold water, squeeze it well, and gently pass it over the pet’s belly. Repeat the same procedure for 10-15 minutes. Another alternative is to wrap a well-wrung, damp towel around your body to reduce the temperature.
Humidifier for cough and nasal congestion. Put a humidifier in the room where you have the dog, as this will help calm the cough and decongest its lungs and airways.
Warm water compresses to remove secretions. Use a warm, damp, soft cloth to clean his nose and eyes regularly.

Diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whenever possible, include several of these foods in your dog’s food: berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and other vegetables recommended for dogs, natural yogurt high in probiotics, etc.
Natural supplements with antibacterial and antiviral action. Ask your vet about taking natural supplements that can support your immune function, such as echinacea, turmeric, ginger, goldenseal, dandelion, and chlorophyll.
Homeopathic remedies. Some veterinarians often recommend the use of homeopathic treatments to help combat canine distemper and its symptoms at home. For Examples, Natrum muriaticum for sneezing during the first stage of the virus, Pulsatilla to soothe discharge and eye irritation,

Hydrastis Canadensis and Arsenicum album for the most advanced stages of distemper, and Psorinum for the recovery stage.
Additionally, it is recommended that the dog stay as active as possible, doing some type of exercise every day.

Is echinacea good for dogs with distemper?

Given its immune-stimulating properties, echinacea appears to be beneficial for dogs with distemper. Different studies have observed that echinacea supplementation helps increase the number of red and white blood cells, and therefore fight respiratory infections, including the canine distemper virus.

Likewise, it has been observed that its administration in dogs does not cause toxicity or other health complications.

If you have a dog infected with a distemper, consult your veterinarian about the possibility of giving your pet echinacea and the most appropriate dose to speed up its recovery.

Can a dog catch distemper if it has already been vaccinated?

The short answer to this question is “ Yes ”.

Distemper infection is possible in vaccinated dogs. But, although the vaccine does not provide absolute protection, it is noted that following the dog’s vaccination protocol is essential to reduce its risk of contagion.

Taking into account that a virus can mutate over the years, the aim of the vaccine is to prepare the dog’s body so that it learns to fight it on its own in case of infection. In addition, it is important to maintain a reactivation or update of the vaccine every year.

If your dog has already been vaccinated but has not received regular vaccination updates, then there is a risk of contracting a distemper if it comes into contact with an infected dog.

The distemper vaccine not only helps to attack the virus and eliminate it before the dog gets sick but also reduces the intensity of symptoms in the event of contagion and controls the incidence of the virus in the environment.

Can dogs recover from distemper?

As an owner, you should understand that recovery from canine distemper can take some time, and even after that time, it may not be a complete recovery. This is particularly common in dogs that develop neurological symptoms, who often have an uncertain prognosis.

Even dogs that fully recover present some challenges. Consider that a recovered dog can continue to shed the virus for several weeks, hence it may continue to be contagious to other animals in its environment.

Dogs that only have a fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, and respiratory problems always have a better prognosis. But that doesn’t mean they can’t develop sequelae and neurological signs later on.

However, those dogs that experience the most advanced phase of the virus usually need more time to recover. In some cases, medication helps control symptoms, but unfortunately, there are dogs that do not respond to supportive therapy and end up being euthanized.