Identifying Canine Distemper: Signs and Symptoms in Dog

Hello everyone, I'm Dr. OxygenPet. Today, I'm here to educate you about how to tell if a dog has canine distemper. Canine distemper is a common infectious disease in dogs, characterized by severe symptoms and a high mortality rate. I will discuss the common symptoms of canine distemper, how to differentiate it from a common cold and fever, and what to do if a dog is infected with canine distemper.

Part 1: Common Symptoms of Canine Distemper

Fever: The typical fever associated with canine distemper can reach above 40°C and last for several days.

Loss of Appetite: Canine distemper often leads to decreased or complete loss of appetite in dogs, and in severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.

Coughing and Runny Nose: Most dogs with canine distemper will exhibit severe coughing and nasal discharge.

Red and Swollen Eyes: Canine distemper can cause an increase in eye discharge and redness.

Diarrhea and Vomiting: Some dogs may experience diarrhea and vomiting as a result of canine distemper.

Lethargy: Due to fever and difficulty breathing, dogs may show a significant decline in energy and reluctance to move.

Part 2: Differentiating Canine Distemper from a Common Cold and Fever

While canine distemper and a common cold or fever share some symptoms, there are key differences. Canine distemper is more pronounced and severe, necessitating prompt treatment. Here's how to distinguish between the two:

Temperature: Canine distemper typically causes a dog's temperature to rise above 40 degrees Celsius, whereas a cold may result in normal or slightly elevated temperatures.

Appetite: Canine distemper often leads to a loss of appetite, whereas a cold might actually increase a dog's appetite.

Coughing: Canine distemper can cause coughing, whereas a cold is less likely to do so.

Eyes: Canine distemper can lead to dry eyes or excessive discharge, while a cold is less likely to cause eye issues.

Respiratory: Canine distemper can cause rapid or labored breathing, while a cold is unlikely to cause these symptoms.

Part 3: What to Do If Your Dog Has Canine Distemper

If your dog is diagnosed with canine distemper, immediate treatment is crucial. Treatment involves several aspects:

Antiviral Therapy: Medications such as interferon, canine distemper monoclonal antibodies, and serum are commonly used.

Supportive Care: This includes providing nutrients through intravenous or nasogastric feeding to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Additionally, daily cleaning of nasal and eye discharges to alleviate discomfort is recommended.

Targeted Treatment: Medications like antibiotics, antidiarrheals, and gastrointestinal protectants are given to address symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, diarrhea, and vomiting, to control the disease and promote recovery.

It's also important to isolate the infected dog to prevent the spread of the virus to other animals.

Lastly, to prevent canine distemper, Dr. OxygenPet recommends that you vaccinate your dog promptly. The canine distemper vaccine is an effective preventive measure that significantly reduces the risk of infection. If you have any further questions, please consult the professional veterinarians at the OxygenPet website, where we are dedicated to providing you with excellent service.