Distemper in Puppies,
Should you be worried about it?
Distemper in puppies is something you probably have only heard about when your Veterinarian is vaccinating your cute puppy or dog. It is amongst words like Parvovirus and Kennel Cough which hopefully is nothing more than part of your dog’s vaccine regime once a year.
The cases of Distemper are now low in most parts of the world as the majority of dogs are being protected against this disease. Thankfully the spread of it isn’t as big an issue as in the past.
However this doesn’t mean puppy Distemper isn’t a problem at all, it can still be an issue, especially if you have a puppy or dog which has not been vaccinated or didn’t receive the full course of vaccinations. This is most likely pups which come from puppy mills or strays that end up in shelters. Distemper in puppies is an infectious virus that can be spread from another dog to your dog via the respiratory system or contact with infected urine and faeces. It is passed through the air which makes this disease very dangerous and hard to prevent without being vaccinated against.
Distemper is a nasty virus which causes many symptoms: Fever and loss of appetite Coughing is common Eye and nose discharge Weight loss Vomiting and Diarrhea Hardening of your dog’s foot pads. In more advanced cases the central nervous system can be affected causing seizures and general weakness, even paralysis. It is also common for dogs suffering from distemper to be more susceptible to other problems, especially pneumonia.
You puppies are at the most risk to distemper as many don’t have the strength to fight off such a virus. Often
it can be fatal for them. If your pup has been born from a mother that has been adequately vaccinated against Distemper, they will have a natural immunity for the first few weeks of their lives.
After this natural immunity from their mothers wears off, it is important to have your puppy regularly vaccinated and ensure that they receive the right amount of doses.
A vaccination series for your puppy usually includes three vaccinations spaced 1 month apart followed by yearly boosters. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best protocol for your puppy in your area. Distemper in puppies is just another reason to ensure you keep up to date with vaccinations and regular health checks. It is also a good reason to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. This will hopefully mean your puppy has come from a healthy mother and has had the necessary protection as a young pup.
Return from Distemper In Puppies to Suitable Puppies
Second Photo taken by Tim Snell from Bradford, UK.
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