How to treat distemper in dogs in 2022: symptoms and treatment

Almost all types of dogs can be affected by distemper. A dog with this pathology suffers from digestive and respiratory problems. Nervous system damage can also occur in advanced cases. Symptoms, treatment methods, and some natural remedies are discussed in detail.

It is one of the most common and dangerous viral diseases that affect dogs. This virus is similar to the human measles virus. The disease is most prevalent in domestic and puppies dogs, immunosuppressed adult dogs, and dogs that are not vaccinated.

It is also known as Carre's disease because of its high contagiousness. The principle of following the vaccination schedule makes it unlikely that your dog will contract this disease.

Even when vaccinated, dogs with immune impairments, such as those suffering from secondary diseases, are more vulnerable to infection.

In the first days following an infection, it's important to pay attention to the first symptoms because they can go unnoticed. An initial sign will be a fever and a noticeable loss of appetite.  https://www.petsloo.com/  of time will pass during which the fever will subside and it will appear that he is healthy, but he is not.

The dog's nose will be discharged with pus during the second phase of distemper fever. A small ocular secretion can also be observed, and energy levels are very low.

There will be a clearer and more severe manifestation of the symptoms from this point forward.  https://www.petsloo.com  may also be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory problems, and coughing. Various skin conditions can cause skin lesions, such as pustular dermatitis. It may take some time before neurological signs appear, including involuntary muscle contractions, salivation, jaw movements, head tilts, or paralysis.

During acute distemper, there is a week-long period of incubation. Symptoms include fever, conjunctivitis, and lack of appetite. There may also be gastrointestinal symptoms.

The neurological symptoms listed above appear gradually, often over a period of weeks or months.

Chronic distemper: It occurs gradually and is rare. As the dog's hindlimbs weaken, his paralysis is brought on by head tremors, as well as hindlimb weakness.

In order for a healthy dog to contract distemper, it needs to be exposed to aerosols in the environment. It is possible for a sick animal to infect an area, even outside. It is also possible for a dog friend who has already recovered from the disease to be contagious up to four months later.

In particular, puppies under the age of 4 months are at most risk. As distemper can also be transmitted from infected animals' fluids, including remains in their food and water, we should take all possible precautions.

In the case of a dog infected with this virus, there is no specific treatment available. In the absence of a sign or symptoms, we will go to the veterinarian, who will confirm or exclude distemper in dogs. An antibiotic, electrolyte solution, or nutritional supplement may be prescribed by him. In order to treat it successfully, it must be detected and treated as soon as possible.

A dog with severe and progressive neurological signs may have an unfavorable prognosis.

Note that there are no home remedies that are 100% effective in curing distemper. To help them, we can do a few things. Since they are prone to dehydration with a fever, it is important to encourage them to drink water. By rubbing a damp cloth on its belly, we can regulate its temperature.

A wet gastrointestinal food, which is easier to digest, is the best choice if your dog has lost his appetite.

The prevention of distemper in dogs cannot be done. Vaccination schedules are the most effective. As for the doses and the dates, your veterinarian should advise you. Vaccinating puppies in three doses between 6 and 12 weeks builds immunity more commonly. The vaccine will be repeated in several separate doses in the future.

Even so, the local prevalence of the disease may be affected by stress, illness, or immunosuppression. This is why the vaccination is given every year, even though it is not 100% effective in preventing it.

From Hogarmania we always recommend that if your furry friend has any health issues, you consult your veterinarian right away.