Canine distemper (hondesiekte), is a is a cruel disease and should be prevented at all cost. This disease has crept into Parys and Tumahole again as it seems to do every few years. It is spreading at the moment and people are encouraged to keep their dogs in their yards and ensure that dogs’ vaccinations are up to date.

Please also be extra vigilant when purchasing new puppies and dogs that they come from healthy homes and are vaccinated.

Of the cases known about 15 dogs already had to be put down the past month because of Canine distemper.

Canine distemper is caused by a virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems, as well as the conjunctival membranes of the eye.

What Are the General Symptoms of Canine Distemper?

The first signs of canine distemper include sneezing, coughing and thick mucus coming from the eyes and nose. Fever, lethargy, sudden vomiting and diarrhoea, depression and/or loss of appetite are also symptoms of the virus. Unfortunately, death is usually the outcome.

How Do Dogs Get Canine Distemper?

The virus is passed from dog to dog through direct contact with fresh urine, blood or saliva. Sneezing, coughing and sharing food and water bowls are all possible ways for the virus to be passed on. People can transfer the disease by contaminated shoes, hands or clothing.

When Is it Time to See the Vet?

Immediately! Please see your vet right away if you suspect your dog has been infected with the canine distemper virus. The virus spreads rapidly and must be aggressively treated as soon as it’s discovered. Unfortunately, euthanasia is often recommended. Your vet should also talk to you about the disease as well as options to prevent the spread of the disease.

How Is Canine Distemper Diagnosed?

Canine distemper tests are available at your vet. Rather than just testing for the infection, your vet needs to look at the whole picture, including a dog’s specific symptoms and health history. Positive results can help confirm an infection, but a dog can still be infected even if test results are negative.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Canine Distemper?

Puppies and adolescent dogs who have not been vaccinated are most vulnerable to the distemper virus. They are typically rescues with unknown vaccination histories or have been bought from dubious pet stores.Serious infections are most often seen in puppies or adolescent dogs. Puppies younger than seven weeks, born to mothers who haven’t been vaccinated against the virus, are extremely susceptible. Once infected, puppies are severely weakened.

Often the virus travels to the brain, causing seizures, shaking and trembling. A weakened immune system leaves an infected dog open to secondary infections like pneumonia.

Puppies do not usually survive this terrible disease.Unvaccinated adult dogs can also get infected. The progression of the disease takes from a week to a month before the dog succumbs to the disease. Symptoms are fever, cough, eye and nose discharge, inappetence, muscle twitching, nervous symptoms and ultimately usually death.

How Can Canine Distemper Be Prevented?

Make sure your dog has completed his series of vaccinations.

The vaccine for dogs is called the distemper shot. If you have a puppy, make sure he gets his first vaccination at six to eight weeks of age. Be sure to keep him away from any possibly infectious dogs or environments until he’s finished with his vaccinations at four or five months old.Routine cleaning and disinfection (with the correct disinfectant) of your home and the dog’s kennel or environment will ensure that the virus is not in your dog’s living environment.