Treatment And Contagion Of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus. It usually affects puppies and, if not treated in time, causes irreversible effects or even death. In this article, we will tell you all about this serious disease, its contagion and treatment.
Canine distemper contagion
The degree of danger of this disease is very high and, in many cases, it becomes lethal for animals of little or very advanced age, which have an underdeveloped or weakened immune system. It is, in turn, a very contagious viral disease that affects three systems: respiratory, digestive and nervous.
How do you get canine distemper ? Through bodily secretions: from tears, saliva and mucus. When a dog sneezes or coughs, it expels microscopic droplets that can harbor the virus into the environment.
In pets that come into contact with others at an early age, transmission is more likely; although that does not mean that by not taking a dog for a walk, we will avoid contagion. If, for example, we play with an infected dog, the virus can become embedded in our clothes or hands. Therefore, it is essential to wash them thoroughly after touching a dog.
There are several options to prevent this disease when you have a puppy at home. As a first step, the dog should be vaccinated in accordance with the doses indicated by the veterinarian. In addition, it is essential to pay attention to the dogs that our pet approaches, especially if any of them show typical symptoms of the disease.
What are the symptoms of canine distemper?
The first sign that there is a problem is a fever. However, this is not the only symptom in our dogs, because distemper is a disease that attacks on many fronts.
At the respiratory level, we can see that the dog starts coughing, running and sneezing. You may also notice conjunctivitis, swelling of the eyelids and nose and continuously oozing a yellowish discharge. Mucus causes difficulty breathing, and if the virus gets to the lungs, it can trigger pneumonitis.
As for the digestive system, the virus causes vomiting or diarrhea as a result of severe gastroenteritis. If the dog presents only this symptom, we don’t have to associate it with distemper, but with some intoxication or feeding problem.
Dermatitis is a clear sign of canine distemper: there is scaling, induration and dryness of the skin on the pads of the paws and nose, which should always be moist.
In turn, this disease has consequences for the nervous system and, in most cases, if the animal survives, it can have lifelong sequelae. Sudden attacks, seizures, nervous tics, muscle spasms and paralysis in the extremities are quite frequent.
Is there treatment for canine distemper?
This viral infection does not have, so far, a specific and effective treatment. Therefore, if we suspect that our dog is infected with distemper, we should immediately take him to the vet.
The professional will be responsible for alleviating the symptoms and preventing the animal from suffering too much. Some expectorants and antibiotics eliminate phlegm. Other drugs cure vomiting and coughing, and dietary supplements strengthen the animal’s health. It is recommended that the dog consume more vitamin B , if you suffer from nervous tics.
Hydration is essential, even when the animal does not feel thirsty, and continuously sanitize the nose and eyes. And if he doesn’t want to eat, he should try to consume at least some canned food, which is more palatable and less dry. The pampering and attention at this time are very important, also for the animal to feel comfortable.
