Distemper is a viral disease affecting the whole body that used to cause significant mortality in canine populations. Thanks to widespread vaccination programs, infection is uncommon but can still present a risk in dogs with incomplete vaccinations, such as rescue situations, puppy farms, and illegal imports. Distemper is also present in wildlife populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Distemper is a viral disease caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) that can affect the entire body and is highly contagious and potentially deadly.
  • Dogs can contract distemper through close contact with infected animals, primarily through the aerosol spread of droplets containing the virus.
  • Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of dogs getting sick from the distemper virus and are the only effective way to protect them.

What is Distemper in Dogs?

Distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs and is caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). It is a highly contagious and potentially deadly illness that can impact the entire body. Although widespread vaccination programs have reduced its occurrence, distemper can still pose a risk to dogs with incomplete vaccinations, such as those in rescue situations, puppy farms, or illegal imports. It is also present in wildlife populations.

How Do Dogs Get Distemper?

Dogs can contract distemper through close contact with infected animals. The virus is primarily transmitted through the aerosol spread of droplets from infected animals, which can be released through saliva, urine, feces, or respiratory secretions. Unborn puppies can also become infected if their mother carries the virus. It's important to note that infected animals can shed the virus for several months, even without showing clinical signs.

Distemper is more likely to occur in environments with close contact with other infected animals or exposure to contaminated materials. This can include places with a high population of unvaccinated dogs or areas where wildlife carries the virus. Vaccination is crucial in preventing dogs from getting distemper and reducing the risk of transmission.

Signs & Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs

After infection, the virus attacks multiple body systems, leading to varied clinical signs. The typical disease course of canine distemper starts with a fever lasting around 3-6 days. Your dog may lose its appetite and have low energy. This fever then subsides after several days before a second fever develops.

Many potential signs may accompany this second fever in this acute phase of the disease. These symptoms of canine distemper include:

A “chewing gum fit” is considered a classic distemper sign. This begins with snapping and jaw spasms that progress into seizures.

Dogs that survive the acute phase may develop thickening of the footpads or the nose. This is why the condition is sometimes called “hard pad disease.”

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?

Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?

1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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How is Distemper Diagnosed in Dogs?

While a preliminary diagnosis of CDV can be made based on clinical signs and blood examination under a microscope, laboratory testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. CDV can have a very similar appearance to rabies, and your vet needs to confirm the diagnosis to ensure that a rabies infection is not present.

Can a Vaccinated Dog Get Distemper?

While no vaccination is 100% effective at preventing disease, the CDV vaccine is highly effective, and its success is evident in disease reduction in regions where vaccine uptake is high.

Canine distemper virus is included in the routine vaccination schedule offered by your veterinarian. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of your dog getting sick from the distemper virus and is considered the only effective way to protect your dog from CDV.

Vaccines take time to become effective, and immunity can wane, making young puppies or dogs whose vaccine schedule has lapsed more vulnerable. Areas of particular risk are those with high numbers of unvaccinated dogs or where there may be exposure to wildlife.

Always be careful when socializing your new puppy; discuss safe ways to do this with your veterinarian.

Treatment for Distemper in Dogs

There is no specific treatment or cure for distemper. Treatment is focused on supportive care to manage gastrointestinal and neurological signs and fluids to manage dehydration.

Antibiotics are sometimes needed to help with any secondary bacterial infections that develop, but they will not treat the distemper virus.

Infected dogs should be isolated from other dogs and wildlife to minimize the spread of disease.

Can a Dog Recover from Distemper?

According to Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, canine distemper has a high fatality rate in unvaccinated animals, around 50% in adult dogs and 80% in puppies.

If you keep ferrets or skunks, the virus is nearly 100% fatal for them. There is also a high mortality rate in large exotic cat species. A full recovery can be made if an otherwise healthy dog receives supportive care early in the disease course.

After the disease begins to cause neurological signs, ongoing health problems or death are more likely, although some dogs still fully recover.

Final Thoughts

CDV is a very unpleasant disease that can cause lifelong medical issues or even death if your dog is not vaccinated. Thankfully, vaccination is highly effective, and the disease prevalence is very low in populations with a high vaccine rate.

If you are uncertain if your dog has been vaccinated for CDV or are worried about the potential risk to your new puppy, schedule a visit with your veterinarian for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is distemper in dogs?

Distemper is still seen in some regions but is less common due to widespread vaccination. However, unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated dogs remain at risk, especially in areas with low vaccination rates.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with distemper?

The prognosis for dogs with distemper varies. Some dogs may recover fully, while others may have long-term health issues or succumb to the disease. The overall prognosis depends on various factors and should be discussed with a veterinarian.

When to put a dog down with distemper?

The decision to euthanize a dog with distemper depends on the severity of symptoms, response to treatment, and quality of life. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance.

Dog acting weird after distemper shot?

Mild side effects like soreness or lethargy are common after a distemper shot. However, if your dog's behavior is concerning or persists, contact your veterinarian for further evaluation.

How often do dogs need distemper shots?

Most dogs require initial distemper vaccination as puppies, followed by booster shots every 1-3 years. Consult with your veterinarian for a personalized vaccination schedule based on your dog's risk factors.

Can cats get distemper from dogs?

Cats cannot directly contract distemper from dogs. However, they can get a similar but distinct disease called feline panleukopenia or feline distemper.