Distemper Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention Tips
Distemper is sometimes called the "canine plague" due to its contagious nature. Infected dogs and many other animals, including wolves, raccoons, foxes, and minks, can spread the virus, mainly in their breath. A dog's breath contains the virus particles in minute droplets, much as is the case with human measles. If the infection occurs through inhalation of the virus, it is spread throughout the body by the defensive cells that are trying to capture and kill it. However, you can rest assured for your personal safety because humans are not susceptible to contracting distemper. What are the symptoms of Distemper? A puppy may survive a very light infection showing only listlessness and a slight temperature. In acute cases, however, a wider variety of symptoms may appear. In the early stages of the infection, dogs will suffer from fever, a loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. A white or green pus-like discharge may run from the eyes and nose, the skin may become spotted with red, pussy abscesses, and the dog's nose and footpads may become broken and dry. In the advanced stages of infection, brain damage and nervous disorders may develop. Your dog may shake nervously, become restless and moody, and experience blindness and paralysis. How can Distemper be treated? If your dog shows any of the symptoms of distemper, don't delay. Call your veterinarian immediately. Treatment will be based on the stage of infection. Your dog may be administered canine distemper anti-serum, anti-convulsants, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection, fluids to cure dehydration, medications to stop the diarrhea and vomiting, eye ointment, and vitamins. If your dog survives this lethal disease, she can recover gradually from the symptoms with constant home care under the direction of your veterinarian. Are there any preventative measures against Distemper? The key to preventing distemper is vaccination. The first distemper shot should be given shortly after weaning and before a puppy is brought into a new home where she will be exposed to other dogs. Start vaccinating your puppy against this disease at six to eight weeks. This will consist of a series of shots that end when your puppy is about fourteen to sixteen weeks old. During this time, keep your puppy out of any situation where she could come in contact with the disease. Afterward, annual booster shots are necessary to adequately shield your dog from infection. Ignore anyone who tries to persuade you that early immunization will last a lifetime - that myth was repudiated long ago. |
Sponsored Ads:Related Articles:
Dogs / Dog Training / Dog Training Basics - Training The New Puppy Golden Retriever / Feeding Your Golden Retriever Articles / The Collie Dog. Dogs / Dog Behaviour / The Danger Of A Jealous Dog Dogs / Dog Training / Dog Training For Desired Behaviors Dogs / Dog Nutrition / Nutritional Needs For Different Dog-Types Dogs / Dalmatian Dogs / Physical Traits Of A Standard Dalmatian Dogs / Dog Training / How To Teach Your Puppy To "Sit-Stay" Cats / Taking Care Of Cats Pet Food / List Of Recalled Pet Food Keeps Pets Safe And Pet Owners Happy Articles / Cats Bonding With Their Owners Dogs / Hound Dogs Dogs / Dog Toys / You Can Never Be Too Safe: 7 More Ways To Help "Pet-Proof" Your House Dogs / Puppy Training / What You Need To Know In Training Your Puppy: Part 1 Dogs / Dog Behaviour / Helping A Battered Dog Gain Confidence By Using Nonphysical Methods Also In This Category:
Dogs - Dietary Management For Your Dog'S Chronic Liver Disease - Miniature Dogs - What Are Therapy Dogs? - Knowing Your Dalmatian Dogs - The Dogs Of War And Their Uses - When You Need For Attack Dogs - What You Need To Know About American Eskimo Dogs - Establishing A Healthy Relationship With Your New Puppy - Everything You Need To Know About Heart Failure In Dogs - All About Dogs - Dogs That Are Good With Children - Guide Dogs - Fat Dogs - Australian Cattle Dogs - Dogs In Animal Shelters Currently Online :6 member(s), 19 guest(s): Erin, Fly, FootballFan, Setsail, Species, WildFlower, Crawler.de, Google, MSN.com, Cobion.com, Slurp Search : |
No comments yet
recipe heads vent step territory pleasure waits heatstroke chronic strategy yard origin roll continue biters making feline policy snakes chewing tricks bitche providing sleeping guilt gently learned short diseases honest standards six choke siamese ailments her wait feel household scenario bath alley getting outdoor live kennels scoop pests pets digging about
Categories: Healthy Dog Dog Diets Obedience Training Boxer Holistic Veterinary Responsible Dog Ownership New Dog Owners Top 5 Deadly Canine Diseases Cats Pet Food Hypoallergenic Dogs Pets Dog Breeds Iguanas Golden Retriever Dog Care Reptiles Beekeeping Cat Training Small Dog Breeds Puppy Training Poodle Dogs Pit Bull Dogs Labrador Retriever Dogs Dog Training Dog Toys Dog Supplies Dog Shows Dog Psychology Dog Parasites Dog Nutrition Dog Grooming Dog Food Dog Diseases Dog Collars Dog Behaviour Dalmatian Dogs Dogs Pet Insurance