Difference Between Canine Distemper and Dog Cold

Dog Cold Symptoms:

It's quite common for dogs to catch a cold during winter, which could be attributed to the cold winds, sleeping in the cold season, rain, or not drying off properly after a bath. The primary symptoms of a dog's cold include a lack of energy, decreased appetite, watery eyes, coughing, and a runny nose. Moreover, if a dog contracts the flu caused by a virus, it may also experience a high fever, in addition to the common cold symptoms.

Canine Distemper Symptoms:

In the early stages of canine distemper, dogs may exhibit symptoms such as a fever, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Due to a lack of experience or misjudgment, these severe infectious diseases can easily be mistaken for a common cold, leading to the tragic loss of the dog.

What's the Difference Between Dog Cold and Canine Distemper?

The difference between a dog's cold and canine distemper lies in the presence of thick, white or yellow discharge from the eyes and nose when infected with the canine distemper virus. This is often accompanied by central nervous system symptoms, such as seizures, changes in behavior, weakness, and coordination issues.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Canine Distemper?

Canine distemper, also known as canine distemper fever or canine distemper syndrome, is a highly contagious and severe viral disease that is currently incurable. It affects a dog's respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system. The canine distemper virus is highly contagious and deadly, and can be transmitted to other dogs through saliva, urine, and feces. The mortality rate for adult dogs is over 50%, and for puppies, it can be as high as 80%. Therefore, if your dog is diagnosed with canine distemper, there is no cure; treatment can only aim to stabilize the condition.

In cases where a dog's condition has become severe due to a lack of early attention, or if it's difficult to determine whether the dog has canine distemper or a cold, it is crucial to take the dog to a veterinary hospital or consult with an online veterinary doctor.