Distinguishing Dog Cold from Canine Distemper: Key Symp
Earlystage canine distemper in dogs can often be effectively treated, leading to a swift recovery. However, if the disease progresses to the intermediate stage, the treatment process becomes more prolonged, and the dog may suffer for a longer duration. In the worstcase scenario, if the canine distemper reaches its late stage, the prognosis becomes grim, and the dog may endure considerable discomfort.
What is a Common Cold?
Canine common colds are typically caused by exposure to cold, such as sudden temperature changes, getting rained on, or being exposed to air conditioning, fans, or cold drafts.
What is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs. It can spread rapidly when a dog with a weakened immune system comes into direct contact with an infected dog, or by inhaling droplets or consuming food that has been contaminated by the infected dog.
How to Distinguish Between a Common Cold and Canine Distemper
The key to differentiation lies in the symptoms. Most pet owners are familiar with the symptoms of a common cold in dogs. Earlystage canine distemper builds upon these symptoms, including high fever, decreased appetite and energy, and in some cases, diarrhea. The symptoms are generally more severe. As the disease progresses to the intermediate stage, it becomes easier to identify, with more pronounced respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. It is often at this stage that canine distemper is diagnosed. In the late stages of canine distemper, neurological symptoms may appear, such as head tilting, unsteady gait, seizures, nystagmus (eye twitching), and anorexia.
Tip: For more information on canine colds, you can read "How to Prevent Your Dog from Catching a Cold."
