At Mindfulpaws, we are committed to ensuring your dog’s health and well-being. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a serious and often fatal disease, but with the right precautions, you can protect your dog. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Canine Distemper?
Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It can impact various organs, including the brain, skin, and eyes. Although dogs of any age can contract the disease, puppies under six months are most at risk.
How Does It Spread?
CDV is primarily transmitted through airborne particles from an infected dog’s respiratory secretions. Dogs can also contract the virus through direct contact with bodily secretions or contaminated surfaces. Dogs recovering from CDV may continue to shed the virus for weeks after symptoms disappear, though they stop shedding once fully recovered.
Symptoms to Watch For
Early signs of CDV include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Mild eye inflammation
As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and include:
- Nasal and eye discharge
- Depression
- Hard, rough paw pads
- Muscle twitches and seizures
- Wobbliness or uncoordinated movement
- Respiratory issues, vomiting, or diarrhea
In severe cases, dogs may develop encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord), leading to progressive neurological symptoms.
Why Treatment Is Challenging
There is no antiviral drug specifically for CDV. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including:
- Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections
- Intravenous fluids to combat dehydration
- Symptom management for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological issues
Unfortunately, the disease is often fatal, with a mortality rate of approximately 50%. Neurological complications, such as seizures and paralysis, are the most common causes of death in infected dogs.
Prevention: The Key to Protection
Vaccination is your dog’s best defense against canine distemper. Thanks to years of successful vaccination programs, CDV is now uncommon, but maintaining population immunity is essential to prevent a resurgence.
At Mindfulpaws, we require all dogs in our care to be fully vaccinated, including protection against CDV. This ensures a safe and healthy environment for all our furry friends.
Our Commitment
We’re here to help you keep your dog happy and healthy. If you have questions about vaccination schedules or your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to ask. Together, we can safeguard your dog from diseases like canine distemper and create a positive, worry-free daycare experience.
Protect your dog. Vaccinate, and let’s keep CDV in the past where it belongs.