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Distemper in dogs is an infectious disease caused by a virus that can be transmitted airborne or through direct contact with infected dogs or wildlife.
The symptoms of distemper include lethargy, fever, eye discharge, and severe neurological symptoms including twitching and seizures.
Treatment for canine distemper includes supportive care, but this virus is often fatal especially in young puppies.
Regular vaccination with the distemper vaccine will help protect your dog from this deadly virus.
What is distemper in dogs?
Distemper is a dangerous virus that dogs can get at any stage of life. Canine distemper virus can cause severe clinical symptoms including fever, eye discharge, and neurological symptoms. Distemper has a high fatality rate especially in younger dogs which is why vaccination for distemper becomes extremely important.
What causes canine distemper?
Canine distemper is caused by a dog virus. Viruses are non-living infectious agents that consist of proteins and DNA or RNA. Distemper virus is a paramyxovirus, a virus close in relation to measles.
How do dogs get distemper?
Dogs get distemper when they are exposed to another animal with distemper. This can occur if they have exposure to another dog with distemper or if they are exposed to wildlife infected with distemper.
Distemper is easily killed in the environment with normal disinfectants, but unfortunately, many dogs and wildlife infected with distemper can shed the virus for weeks to months after becoming infected.
The AKC reported that there are 3 major ways that the distemper virus is spread:
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Because veterinarians commonly vaccinate dogs for distemper, this disease is not extremely prevalent within the United States. Canine distemper is more prevalent in other countries and new strains have recently been introduced into North America due to unregulated animal movement.
Even though distemper isn’t as common as it used to be, it is still crucial to get your dog vaccinated regularly for distemper. The main reason we have been able to keep distemper under control in the United States is that we routinely vaccinate dogs with the canine distemper vaccine.
Which dogs are prone to canine distemper?
Any dog is prone to becoming infected with canine distemper so it is vital to get your dog vaccinated for distemper. Risk factors for developing the disease include:
Unvaccinated dogs
Unvaccinated puppies
Dogs with wildlife exposure
Dogs that travel to foreign countries
What are the symptoms of distemper in dogs?
The main distemper symptoms include fever, nose and eye discharge, and neurological symptoms. These symptoms tend to progress over time. Dogs with distemper infections have a very poor prognosis for a full recovery, and as many as 50-80% of dogs with distemper will die of this disease.
Early signs of distemper in dogs include:
Lethargy
Fever
Nasal discharge
Eye discharge
Not eating
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Coughing
In the later stages of distemper, your dog may develop serious neurological symptoms including:
Circling
Seizures
Head tilt
Strange eye movements
Muscle twitching
Paralysis
How to Treat Canine Distemper
The treatment for distemper in dogs is mainly supportive care. Your veterinarian will place your dog on fluid therapy to maintain hydration and give medications to control your dog’s symptoms. There is no cure for canine distemper, so your veterinarian will give supportive care so that your dog can hopefully fight off the virus.
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Mimics a mother’s natural pheromones to calm down dogs that are experiencing distress
Provides relaxing and soothing fragrance of lavender and chamomile
Works great for vet visits, crating, car travel, fear of thunder, pet and owner separation, reactivity to other animals or people, general fearfulness and other situations that cause anxiety and fear
Helps eliminate problem behaviors such as excessive barking, destruction, jumping, and inappropriate marking that often result from anxiety
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Mimics a mother’s natural pheromones to calm down dogs that are experiencing distress
Provides relaxing and soothing fragrance of lavender and chamomile
Works great for vet visits, crating, car travel, fear of thunder, pet and owner separation, reactivity to other animals or people, general fearfulness and other situations that cause anxiety and fear
Helps eliminate problem behaviors such as excessive barking, destruction, jumping, and inappropriate marking that often result from anxiety
Can be used as an area spray or applied directly onto your dog's ThunderShirt to allow the calming pheromones and fragrances to continue to release for an extended period of time to keep your dog cool and collected
Uses pheromone technology that's proven to modify behaviors caused by stress and fear, such as inappropriate marking, chewing, excessive barking, jumping, and destruction.
Releases a pheromone that mimics the one mother dogs produce to calm and soothe puppies, making dogs feel safe and secure.
Helps alleviate problem behaviors caused by stressful situations such as travel, thunderstorms, new pets in the home, new visitors, car rides, and vet visits.
Releases pheromones for 30 days with a pleasant, soothing lavender chamomile fragrance.
Adjusts to fit necks up to 23 inches. Can be used for dogs of all ages and breeds with no long-term side effects.
Some dogs can recover from distemper, but canine distemper is a highly fatal disease with mortality rates of 50 to 80%. That being said, some dogs can recover from this illness. Adult dogs may have a higher chance of surviving distemper. Puppies that get distemper virus have a much lower chance of surviving which is why it is so important to get your puppy vaccinated for distemper as early as 6 weeks of age.
When is it time to see the vet?
Anytime your dog exhibits a new symptom that is unusual for them, you should get them examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms described above or if you suspect your dog has been exposed to distemper virus, then I recommend seeing your veterinarian right away. The sooner that your veterinarian can start supportive care the better.
Preventing Canine Distemper
The good news is that there is an effective preventative option for distemper! The canine distemper vaccine can be used in dogs as young as 6 weeks of age to protect against this virus.
Pet parents should ensure their puppies are up-to-date with vaccinations in general as it will protect against many health issues. Distemper shots should be started at 6 weeks of age and given every 3 to 4 weeks until your dog is over 16 weeks of age.
Also, your dog will need booster distemper vaccines annually throughout your dog’s entire life or as determined by your veterinarian. During your vaccination appointment, be sure to consult with your vet to see if any supplements might benefit your dog.
In addition to regular vaccination throughout your dog’s life, there are a few other preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of distemper in dogs. Prior to socializing a new puppy with other dogs, be sure your dog and other dogs that your dog will be playing with are up to date on their distemper and parvo vaccine.
Also, avoid exposure to any wildlife by always monitoring your pup when they are playing outside. In addition, never let your dog play with a dog that is sick or exhibiting any symptoms of distemper.
Final Thoughts
While Canine Distemper can be devastating to dogs, it can be prevented. Taking the necessary steps will keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come!
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Dr. Addie Reinhard is an experienced companion animal veterinarian who lives in Lexington, KY with her husband, greyhound, and four cats. She graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and currently practices in the central Kentucky region. Dr. Addie has special interests in preventative care, dermatology, and diseases, and she enjoys creating helpful educational resources related to these topics to help pet parents keep their four-legged family members happy and healthy. We love Dr. Addie’s passion for providing reliable veterinary insight and medical advice to help pet parents like us give their pups the happy & healthy lives they deserve!
The medical, nutritional, or behavioral advice we provide is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our editorial content is not a substitute for formal or personalized medical advice from a veterinary professional. Only board-certified veterinary specialists who have examined your pet should diagnose medical conditions, provide personalized treatment, or prescribe appropriate medication. For questions regarding your pet’s health, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of illness, injury, or distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.
