By: Harry Bailey, Supervisor
Artesia Animal Shelter

With a significant increase in distemper cases, especially concentrated in Roswell, it’s crucial to understand what distemper is, how to identify its symptoms, and the preventive steps you can take. This guide will help you protect your pets.

What is Distemper?

Distemper is a serious and often fatal viral disease affecting dogs, ferrets, raccoons, and other wildlife. The virus primarily attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It’s highly contagious and can spread rapidly, particularly in environments with high animal populations like shelters, kennels, or parks.

The virus that causes canine distemper (CDV) is an RNA virus. It can cause a wide range of illnesses, from mild respiratory issues to severe neurological damage. While puppies and young dogs are most vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, unvaccinated adult dogs are also at risk.

Symptoms of Distemper

Distemper symptoms can vary, depending on the infection’s stage. The disease generally progresses through four stages:

1. Respiratory Symptoms (Initial Stage): Fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and eye discharge.

2. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

3. Neurological Symptoms (Severe Stage): Muscle twitches, seizures, incoordination, and possibly paralysis.

4. Severe Complications or Death: In many cases, the virus can lead to permanent neurological damage or death.

How is Distemper Transmitted?

Distemper is highly contagious and spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, or feces from infected animals. It can also spread through airborne droplets when an infected animal coughs or sneezes.

Although the virus doesn’t survive long in the environment, it can linger on contaminated surfaces or objects, increasing the risk of transmission.

Prevention of Distemper

Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing distemper. Here are key prevention steps:

1. Vaccination:

o Puppies: Puppies should begin their distemper vaccination series at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until about 16 weeks old.

o Adult Dogs: Adult dogs need booster shots every 1-3 years, depending on the vet’s recommendation.

o Other Animals: Ensure any other pets, such as ferrets, are also vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus.

2. Avoid Contact with Infected Animals:

o Distemper is highly contagious, so avoid exposing your dog to potentially infected animals. Be cautious when taking your dog to public spaces, such as parks or dog beaches.

o If you’re adopting or introducing a new animal, ensure it’s properly vaccinated or quarantined for a period.

3. Quarantine Sick Animals:

o If your dog shows signs of distemper or has been exposed to an infected animal, isolate it immediately to prevent spreading the virus.

4. Practice Good Hygiene:

o Clean your dog’s living areas, food bowls, toys, and bedding regularly. Disinfect areas where your pet spends time, especially if they’ve been in contact with other animals.

5. Consult Your Veterinarian:

o Regular check-ups will ensure your pet stays current on vaccinations. Your vet can also help identify early signs of distemper or other health issues.

Can Distemper Be Treated?

There’s no specific antiviral treatment for distemper. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the immune system. This can include administering fluids, antibiotics for secondary infections, and anti-seizure medication. Unfortunately, despite supportive care, the prognosis is often poor, especially in severe cases.

Conclusion

Distemper is a serious, contagious disease that can be fatal, but it is preventable through proper vaccination and responsible pet care. The best way to protect your dog is to ensure they are vaccinated according to your vet’s recommended schedule and to avoid contact with potentially infected animals.

By staying informed and proactive about your dog’s health, you can help keep them safe from distemper and other preventable diseases, ensuring they live a long, healthy life.

Harry Bailey is the Supervisor for the Artesia Animal Shelter. He can be reached at: 575-746-5043 or at hbailey@atesianm.gov