If you are fortunate enough to be a pet parent, you should be informed about the puppy villain of the century- Canine Distemper. It's an incurable, deadly virus that attacks your dog's respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Other animals, such as foxes, raccoons, and skunks can also be infected with the evil virus.
According to the Garden Route SPCA, Canine Distemper is spread through the air and by direct or indirect contact with an infected animal. The canine killer’s first symptoms include sneezing, coughing and thick mucus coming from the eyes and nose. “As the disease progresses, the dog becomes weak and lethargic,” says Dr. Elizna Boag, the business unit manager for companion animals and ethicals at Afrivet. "Dogs will also show a loss of appetite and may begin to vomit and have diarrhea. Some patients will develop an involuntary twitching of muscles."
All dogs are in danger of becoming this brutal baddy’s victim, but puppies and adolescent dogs that haven’t been vaccinated are more vulnerable to the virus.
Watch this video to find out more about the symptoms of Distemper.
How to kill Distemper:
Unfortunately, the virus can't be killed. The symptoms can, however, be treated.
Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
- Intravenous fluids to tackle dehydration
- Anti-seizure medication
- Medications to control vomiting and diarrhea
The level of success you can expect from these treatments varies depending on how old your dog is, the strain of distemper they're infected with, and how quickly you take your barking superhero to the vet. If your dog fights Distemper like a true warrior, he/she will be immune to further attacks from the malicious virus.
What are your dogs’ chances of survival?
In domestic dogs, while the acute generalized form of Distemper has a high mortality rate, disease duration and severity depend largely on the dog’s age and immune status and virulence of the infecting strain of the virus.
If you suspect that your dog might be infected with Distemper, visit the vet IMMEDIATELY! They’ve got some superpowers that can guide your pooch back to safety.
