Distemper in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment and management, precautions
Distemper in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment By Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA . Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM Updated May 30, 2024 melissabrock1/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images In This Article Summary View 6 More + What Is Distemper in Dogs? Canine distemper is a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), nervous system, and other organs of dogs. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs and puppies are at highest risk. This disease primarily spreads from one dog to another through direct contact, such as coughing and sneezing . Distemper doesn’t just affect dogs. Infected ferrets and wildlife—foxes, wolves, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and other carnivores—can also become sick and transmit the virus to dogs. Distemper in dogs can be prevented through a core vaccine given by a licensed veterinarian . All dogs should remain current on this vacc...