Canine Distemper: Should I Vaccinate?

Canine Distemper is a viral airborne disease that is usually transmitted through contact with an infected animal. It mainly affects dogs. When an infected dog coughs and respiratory secretions are released, it is likely to infect your pet if it is nearby. The symptoms for this disease include coughing, loss of appetite, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, runny eyes, nose discharge among others. Although there is a vaccine available for canine distemper, there is an unfounded rumor that it may change the behavior of you pet.

In the previous years canine distemper was a serious disease for infected animals, but presently there is a vaccine for this disease, therefore, there is no need to worry. However, it is important to note that this disease is not dependent on the personality of the dog in question. The virus responsible for this disease attacks the mucous membranes resulting in respiratory tract infection and pneumonia. The virus causes the hardening of tissues of the nose and foot pads, thus its other name 'hard pad' disease. Giving the vaccine for canine distemper does not in any way affect the behavior of the dog in question.

The lungs of infected dogs are usually affected by secondary invaders that are mostly bacterial and this can result in pneumonia. When treating this disease, don't take anything for granted because some dogs may appear to be recovering well only for them to show the symptoms for the disease two or three weeks later. The young puppies that have weak immunity often die during the mucosal phase, therefore, a lot of caution should be taken when handling them. This disease is similar to measles in human beings. In fact in yester years canine distemper used to be prevented with the measles vaccine.

It is hard to tell whether this disease has been completely dealt with because it's end point is indefinite. Therefore, one should use a 'clinical diagnosis' when dealing with this disease. Look at the symptoms carefully and also look at the origin of the disease.

Effective vaccines against this disease are available and prevention of this disease through vaccination is a necessary precaution. Vaccination against canine distemper should be done as early as 6-8 weeks for puppies and thereafter at intervals of 3-4 weeks. This vaccine not only protects against canine distemper, but also other viral infections. Therefore, we should take necessary precautions when dealing with this airborne disease.