Distemper in Dogs: When to Seek Emergency Care

Distemper in dogs strikes quickly and can devastate even the healthiest pets within days. This highly contagious virus attacks multiple body systems and can leave permanent damage if not addressed promptly.

Knowing when to seek emergency care for distemper could save your dog's life. The difference between mild early symptoms and life-threatening complications often comes down to recognizing the warning signs and acting fast.

Top Questions About Distemper in Dogs

When Should I Take My Dog to an Emergency Clinic?

Distemper in dogs is a contagious viral disease that attacks the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Take your dog to an emergency clinic if you see seizing, severe breathing problems, or uncontrollable vomiting. Dogs showing neurological symptoms like head tilting, circling, or muscle twitching need quick veterinary attention. Call ahead to make sure the clinic can treat distemper cases.

Can Older Dogs or Puppies Get Distemper?

Both puppies and adult dogs can get distemper, though puppies under four months old have the highest risk. Unvaccinated dogs and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Senior dogs with incomplete vaccination history may also develop the disease if exposed to the virus.

Is My Other Pet at Risk Right Now?

Yes, distemper is highly contagious between dogs. Separate your sick dog from other pets immediately. The virus spreads through the air, direct contact, and shared items like food bowls or toys. Even wildlife like raccoons and foxes can carry and spread the virus to your pets.

Why Dogs Get Distemper

Distemper happens when dogs are exposed to the distemper virus. The virus enters through the nose or mouth and moves throughout the body. Dogs without proper vaccination cannot fight off the infection. The virus can survive in the environment for hours, making it easy to spread in kennels, shelters, and dog parks.

Spotting Mild Cases

Early distemper signs include fever, watery eyes, and runny nose that may look like a common cold. Your dog might seem tired, lose their appetite, or cough occasionally. Some dogs develop a mild rash on their belly or thickened foot pads. These symptoms can last 10-14 days before either improving or getting worse.

Recognizing Serious Cases

Serious distemper cases show high fever, thick eye and nose discharge, and severe coughing. Your dog may have repeated vomiting, watery diarrhea, or dehydration. Neurological signs like twitching, circling, head tilting, jaw chewing movements, or seizing show the virus has reached the brain. These symptoms require emergency veterinary care.

What to Do

Step 1: Call a Veterinary Clinic for Help

Call an emergency veterinary clinic right away if you think your dog has distemper. Describe all symptoms in detail so the staff can prepare for your arrival. Ask if they have isolation areas to prevent spreading the virus to other patients.

Step 2: Watch for Worsening Neurological Symptoms

Keep a close eye on your dog for changes in behavior, coordination problems, or seizures. Keep track of symptoms and how often they happen to share with the veterinarian. Keep a quiet, calm environment to reduce stress that might trigger neurological episodes.

Step 3: Transport Your Dog Safely

Use a carrier or secure your dog with a leash and harness during transport. Bring blankets to keep them comfortable and warm. Offer small sips of water if your dog isn't vomiting, but call the clinic for guidance on feeding. Avoid contact between your sick dog and other animals during transport.

Potential Life-Threatening Conditions

Distemper can lead to pneumonia when the virus attacks the lungs, causing difficult breathing. Severe neurological damage may cause permanent brain injury or paralysis. Some dogs develop hardened nose and foot pads ("hard pad disease") along with neurological symptoms. Without proper treatment, these complications can be fatal, especially in young puppies.

Helping Your Pet Before the Vet Visit

Ensuring Adequate Hydration

Offer small amounts of water frequently if your dog can keep it down. Watch for signs of dehydration like dry gums, sunken eyes, or skin that stays pinched when pulled. Call your veterinarian for specific instructions about feeding and watering your sick dog.

Avoiding Contact with Other Pets

Keep your sick dog in a separate room away from other pets. Use different bowls, bedding, and toys for the infected dog. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the sick dog before touching other pets. Clean all surfaces with pet-safe cleaners to reduce virus spread.

Preventing Future Distemper

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent distemper in dogs. Puppies need a series of vaccines starting at 6-8 weeks of age. Adult dogs should receive regular boosters according to your veterinarian's recommendations. Avoid exposing unvaccinated puppies to unknown dogs or wildlife that might carry the virus.

We're Here to Help

Our hospitals understand the stress of seeing your pet struggle with this serious illness. We can help determine if your dog has distemper and provide appropriate care.

If your dog shows mild symptoms like slight coughing or watery eyes, contact your primary veterinarian for an appointment. For severe symptoms like seizures, breathing difficulty, or persistent vomiting, call an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. If you're not sure about the severity, call us — we can talk you through the situation and help you decide the best course of action.

Key Takeaways

• Distemper starts with cold-like symptoms but can quickly progress to serious neurological problems requiring emergency care.
• Keep infected dogs isolated to protect other pets from this highly contagious disease.
• Vaccination is the most effective prevention strategy against distemper.