Pet Care Blog

Distemper in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Dr. Ricky Walther
Veterinarian
Dog lying on bed wrapped in blankets

Distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems of dogs and puppies. Although distemper can spread quickly from one dog to another through sneezing and coughing, it is also very much preventable.

Keep reading to learn about the symptoms of canine distemper, the treatment options available, and what you can do to prevent your dog from contracting the disease.

Table of Contents:

Pro Tip: Vaccinations are essential to protect your dog from distemper. Pet insurance can help you cover costs for vaccinations and annual exams.

What is distemper in dogs?

Distemper is an incurable, highly contagious, and often fatal viral disease. It is multisystemic, which means that it affects multiple systems in the dog’s body: the gastrointestinal, nervous, and respiratory systems.

What causes distemper in dogs?

The disease is caused by the canine distemper virus (paramyxovirus virus or CDV) and

spread mainly through respiratory secretions. When an infected dog sneezes or coughs, they can easily infect any animals that are nearby. Their respiratory particulates can also infect nearby surfaces like bowls, supplies, and equipment, which makes the risk of exposure even higher.

Animals can also get infected from contact with infected urine, blood, or saliva. Female dogs can also transmit the distemper virus through the placenta to their puppies.

Dogs infected with distemper can shed the virus for up to several months. Canine distemper can occur throughout the year, but the majority of cases in domestic dogs seem to occur in the fall or winter as the virus is resistant to cold. The good news is the virus doesn’t survive long in the environment and can be easily destroyed by most disinfectants.

Is distemper in dogs contagious to humans?

There is no evidence that humans can contract canine distemper. However, as mentioned earlier, it also affects some wild animals like ferrets, raccoons, skunks, minks, wolves, coyotes, and foxes. Pet ferrets should be vaccinated against the disease using a USDA-approved ferret vaccine.

Dogs of any age can contract distemper but puppies younger than four months and dogs that haven’t been vaccinated against the disease are at an increased risk. Dogs in shelters might also be vulnerable since their vaccinations might not be up to date.

Dog with tilted head and sad eyes in shelter behind fence

What are the symptoms of distemper in dogs?

Dogs with distemper can show a wide range of clinical signs depending on how advanced the disease is. One of the first symptoms is yellow-green discharge from the eyes, followed by:

  • Coughing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Decreased appetite
  • Anorexia
  • Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord

Dogs infected with distemper can also suffer from secondary bacterial infections that attack when their immune systems are compromised by the distemper virus. These infections can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia.

Some dogs can also develop crusting of the nose and footpads (hyperkeratosis). This symptom causes the footpads to enlarge and harden, making the pup very uncomfortable.

As the distemper progresses and starts affecting the nervous system, the infected dog will start experiencing neurological symptoms, including tremors, seizures, circling, head tilt, full or partial paralysis, muscle twitching, repetitive eye movements (nystagmus), excessive saliva, chewing-gum fits and sometimes even death.

How to diagnose distemper in dogs

Vets diagnose distemper based on the symptoms your dog is showing and laboratory testing.

Sometimes symptoms of canine distemper don’t always appear immediately. The disease might be mistaken for other infections or viruses.

The veterinarian might run tests to rule out other conditions like leptospirosis, toxin poisoning, and contagious viral hepatitis. They might take nose, eye, or throat swabs, as well as urine or bone marrow samples to test for viral infection. The vet might also test blood for antibodies or take a biopsy of the paw pad for detection of viral DNA.

Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the above-listed symptoms. Distemper in dogs is highly contagious and requires aggressive medical treatment. You should also visit the vet if you don’t know your pet’s vaccination history or if your pet has been exposed to other animals with distemper.

Dog receiving a shot from veterinarian

What is the treatment for distemper in dogs?

There is no cure for distemper in dogs. Once the disease is diagnosed, treatment typically consists of supportive care. Infected dogs are usually hospitalized and separated from other dogs in order to prevent the spread of infection.

Distemper can weaken the dog’s immune system, resulting in secondary bacterial infections, disseminated intravascular coagulation, septicemia, and even death. Such cases usually require IV fluid therapy in order to prevent dehydration, intravenous nutritional support, antibiotics, electrolytes, probiotics, gastrointestinal protectants, and anti-vomiting medications.

Dogs who have trouble breathing, chronic coughing, and/or severe pneumonia might require antiviral medications, oxygen therapy, and antibiotics. Dogs that suffer from seizures need to be hospitalized for monitoring and receive anti-seizure medications.

Pro Tip: If your canine companion ends up in hospital for a few days, the vet bills can really escalate, making it difficult to help them get back to good health. A pet insurance policy can cover a portion of the treatment cost for accidents and illnesses, as well as diagnostic testing, hospitalization, and surgery.

Prognosis and recovery

If you suspect your dog has distemper, take them to the vet immediately. Prompt and aggressive treatment might help your dog recover completely.

The length of infection and survival rate depends on the strength of the dog’s immune system, as well as the virus strain. Some cases can resolve in about ten days, while others might exhibit neurological signs for weeks or months afterward.

The disease is especially serious and often fatal in puppies, as they’re more susceptible to viral infections. Grown dogs can recover but often have permanent neurological disorders such as brain damage, nerve damage, jaw spasms, muscle twitching, and seizures. These symptoms might appear after recovery or later in life. In these cases, the veterinarian might prescribe anti-inflammatories, immune system medications, or steroids, but they are not always successful.

How to avoid distemper in dogs

Fortunately, canine distemper is easily preventable with timely vaccination.

Puppies are usually vaccinated starting at six weeks of age and at regular intervals until they’re 14 to 16 weeks old. Vaccination is repeated one year later, then at regular intervals. Avoid gaps in the immunization schedule and ensure that your pup’s distemper vaccinations are up to date.

As with other vaccines, the maternal antibodies can interfere with vaccines, so a puppy is considered fully protected only after they have received the final vaccine in the series.

Until then, be careful about socializing them with unknown dogs at dog parks, puppy classes, doggy daycare, and other places where dogs can congregate in order to reduce exposure to the virus.

The majority of pups don’t show any side effects from vaccination, but some might experience soreness and mild fever after getting the distemper shot. In some cases, allergic reactions can occur, which can manifest through diarrhea, vomiting, facial swelling, fever, and loss of appetite.

Talk to your vet about the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet and about the risks involved with vaccination.

Key Takeaways

  • Distemper is a contagious and often fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the GI, nervous, and respiratory systems of dogs.
  • As the virus progresses, it will attack the central nervous system, resulting in neurological symptoms like tremors and seizures.
  • Vets diagnose distemper in dogs through clinical appearance and laboratory testing. The disease is incurable and treatment typically consists of supportive care.
  • Vaccination is crucial in preventing distemper in dogs.

Do you want to find the best pet insurance?

Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?

Analyze My Pet

About Pawlicy Advisor

The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances!

Pawlicy Advisor helping a pet parent and their dog find a great deal on insurance

Instantly Compare Pet Insurance Plans

Get Quotes

Guides

How Pet Insurance Works

How To Compare Plans

Determine If Pet Insurance Is Worth It

Determine If Wellness Plans Are Worth It

Vet Visit Costs

New Puppy Checklist

Comparison Charts

ASPCA vs. Pets Best

Pets Best vs. Embrace

Embrace vs. Pumpkin

Pumpkin vs. MetLife

More Comparison Charts

Find Your State

New Jersey

California

Florida

Oregon

Texas

New York

Colorado

Pennsylvania

More States

Dog Insurance

German Shepherd

Rottweiler

Akita

Boxer

English Bulldog

French Bulldog

Great Dane

Pug

Corgi

Chihuahua

Poodle

More Breeds

Ricky Walther, DVM

Dr. Ricky Walther
Veterinarian

Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.

More you might like

Hand holding pill tablet above dog
7 minute read
Prednisone (Prednisolone) For Dogs: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects
Dog abdomen with bandage from surgery
8 minute read
Pyometra in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Dog examined by vet with stethoscope
8 minute read
Heart Murmur in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
Cat with blue eyes lying on the ground
8 minute read
Pancreatitis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Dog in distress with head being held
8 minute read
Addison's Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Costs
Puppy lying on examination table with IV fluid
6 minute read
Coccidia in Puppies: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Cat with ringworm on neck
8 minute read
Ringworm in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
Jack Russel with ringworm infection
9 minute read
Ringworm in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Dog eating raw meat off cutting board
14 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Can reaching onto counter to eat dessert
6 minute read
Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
Dog looking at celery on kitchen counter
9 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Celery? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Dog looking at a carton of eggs
9 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Dog staring at spoon of honey
9 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Honey? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Corgi dog biting an avocado
5 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Avocado? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Beagle dog running with blueberries in mouth
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Basset hound dog staring at peaches with mouth open
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Peaches? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Dog walking near tomato plant
7 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Dog eating out of bowl on floor
5 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Cashews? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Jack Russel dog swimming in pool toward pineapple
7 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Pineapples? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Golden Retriever pet on head
7 minute read
Carprofen for Dogs: Uses, Effectiveness & Side Effects
Beagle resting head on pillow
10 minute read
Lymphoma in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Australian Shepherd puppy with blue eyes
7 minute read
Australian Shepherd Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Golden Retriever puppy resting on floor
7 minute read
Golden Retriever Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Shih Tzu puppy
6 minute read
Shih Tzu Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Beagle dog with corn in mouth
6 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Corn? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Pug lying on the ground looking at cheese
7 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Cheese? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Jack Russel dog grabbing orange from tree
9 minute read
Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Here's Everything You Need to Know
Tapeworm infestation in dogs
6 minute read
Tapeworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention
vet giving medicine orally to dog
7 minute read
Hookworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Kitten with ear mites
7 minute read
Ear Mites in Cats: Symptoms & Treatment
mixed breed puppy with parvovirus at the veterinary clinic
7 minute read
Parvo in Puppies: Everything You Need to Know
Beagle laying down on the floor
6 minute read
Beagle Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
dog with constipation
8 minute read
Constipation in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Border Collie dog
6 minute read
Border Collie Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
dog drinking water from river
8 minute read
Giardia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Training a dog on a leash
5 minute read
7 Mistakes People Make When Training Their Dogs
sick cat lying on top of red car
9 minute read
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Symptoms & Treatment
female veterinarian giving a pill to a brown labrador in a clinic
6 minute read
Metronidazole for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Cane Corso dog
8 minute read
Cane Corso Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Professional veterinarian giving pill to German Shepherd dog in clinic
7 minute read
Trazodone for Dogs: How Does It Work and When Is It Prescribed?
Shiba Inu dog running in field
7 minute read
Shiba Inu Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Dog waiting to take prescription medication pills
5 minute read
Benadryl for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
yeast infection in a dog's ear
7 minute read
Yeast Infections in Dogs: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Vet holding medications for a little maltese dog
8 minute read
Tramadol for Dogs: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
sick dog lying on couch
8 minute read
Pancreatitis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
X-ray of Hip Dysplasia in Dog
7 minute read
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
dog eating a nut
5 minute read
3 Types of Nuts That Are Safe for Dogs to Eat
growing corgi puppies
7 minute read
Corgi Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
poodle puppy playing on the floor
8 minute read
Poodle Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need To Know
increased pot belly of a dog with cushing disease
6 minute read
Cushing Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Save on Costs
Back to Blog
A family with pets that are insured by Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate.
Join 2,438,795+ insured dogs and cats across the US.
Get a Quote
Our pet insurance partners
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
Prudent Pet Insurance Logo