Dog Cold vs Canine Distemper: Different Diseases, Same

Firstly, let's discuss the general situations of these two diseases:

Canine Distemper, caused by the Canine Distemper Virus, is one of the most lethal viruses affecting dogs. It has a low cure rate and is highly contagious, making it a significant threat to our furry companions.

On the other hand, dog colds are typically triggered by sudden exposure to cold weather, much like in humans, and are generally easy to cure.

Now, let's delve into the symptoms of dog colds:

When a dog has a cold, it often shows signs of depression and a lack of interest in its surroundings. You may notice a decrease in appetite, or even complete refusal to eat. The coat may appear disheveled. The dog's ears and nose will feel dry and cold to the touch (a healthy dog's nose should be moist and warm), but the roots of the ears and the inner thighs will feel unusually warm. The eyes may frequently tear up and become sensitive to light, and there may be an increase in eye discharge, which can seem somewhat abnormal.

Dogs with colds may also experience symptoms like coughing and runny noses. The mucus from a mild cold is usually clear and sticky, while in more severe cases, it can become yellow or脓like. If you place your ear close to the dog's chest, you may notice an increased breathing rate and possibly even the sound of bubbling, indicating a more severe case of the cold. If not treated promptly, this can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia. The dog's body temperature may rise to 3940 degrees Celsius, and it may shiver frequently.

The symptoms of Canine Distemper:

The incubation period for Canine Distemper is usually between 39 days, and the symptoms can be quite varied. Initially, the dog's body temperature may rise and remain elevated for 13 days before gradually subsiding. This can be similar to the recovery phase of a cold. However, if the temperature spikes again a few days later, it's a red flag that the dog may be suffering from Canine Distemper, as the likelihood of infection is quite high!

Once the temperature spikes again, the symptoms of Canine Distemper will manifest. The eyes will produce more discharge than during a cold, and it will change from a liquid to a sticky,脓like consistency. The nose may become dry, with mucous initially being serous and later turning into pus. There may be occasional dry coughs at first, which then become productive coughs with phlegm. Breathing difficulties may escalate from being rapid to becoming labored.

Once Canine Distemper is fully developed, dogs may also experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and intussusception, among others. The cure rate is low, but miracles can happen. If the best treatment window is missed, the dog may become severely dehydrated and suffer from organ failure.

Puppies under two months of age are more susceptible to Canine Distemper than adult dogs, while colds can affect dogs of all ages. As owners, it's crucial to keep a close eye on our dogs' health at all times! Prevention and control measures should not be taken lightly. Here are some key points to pay attention to:

1. Vaccination is crucial! Vaccination is crucial! Vaccination is crucial!

This is of utmost importance. Many puppies are more prone to Canine Distemper due to a lack of vaccination and weakened immunity. Once exposed to infected dogs or objects they've touched, the chance of infection is as high as 99%.

2. Provide a comfortable den for your dog

Some people find it annoying when dogs bark at night and place their doghouses on balconies (those that are not enclosed). This is actually quite detrimental. While it's hot during the summer, there are still temperature changes at dawn and dusk. If a dog's immunity is low, it's more susceptible to catching a cold. Therefore, the place where your dog sleeps at night should be wellventilated but maintain a constant temperature.

3. Keep your dog away from sick dogs and avoid unknown food

Some owners are not very careful when walking their dogs and may not notice if their pets eat things from the street. This is actually one of the most common ways to contract pathogens. Friendly dogs may want to play with stray dogs, so owners should try to prevent this. Stray dogs may carry fleas, skin diseases, Canine Distemper, and other dangerous factors. It's best to keep domestic dogs away from them.

4. If there are signs of a cold, investigate promptly

The most important point is to be placed last, as it's a crucial step. If your dog shows symptoms similar to a cold, it's essential to investigate for Canine Distemper and Parvovirus. Although there are Canine Distemper and Parvovirus test kits available, their accuracy is around 80%, and there is a possibility of misdiagnosis. It's best to take your dog to the vet for a blood test, which has a 100% accuracy rate. Early confirmation and treatment are key.