Health: Distemper

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Distemper is an extremely contagious virus. It kills more dogs than any other infectious disease, and it ruins the health of many others. The good news is that it's almost 100 percent preventable with a vaccination. There's no good reason a dog should fall victim to this heartrending and painful disease.

The virus attacks brain cells, the skin, mucus membranes, and the gastrointestinal tract. Almost half of infected dogs show only mild symptoms, or even none at all. However, if left untreated for long, the effects can be devastating and lifelong. They include paralysis and impaired smell, hearing, or sight. Infected dogs are also vulnerable to other diseases, such as pneumonia. Dogs with very strong immune systems (there's no way to tell) may fully recover, but others will worsen and may eventually die from the disease.

Puppies are especially vulnerable and are most at risk for death, so it's doubly important to have them vaccinated. It will be a routine part of a first visit to the vet, if the dog is at least five or six weeks old.

Causes

Dogs that are infected with canine distemper virus are highly infectious. The virus is present in all body secretions, primarily as airborne particles from breathing, making it easy for an untreated dog to become infected. It appears most often in puppies between six and 12 weeks old who haven't been vaccinated, since the protective antibodies they received from their mother eventually fall to a level too low to prevent infection. Other dogs aren't the only threat--distemper is common in the wild, so many raccoons, foxes, and skunks are infected. Coming into contact with the droppings of these animals can easily spread the disease.

When it's time to see a vet

Initially, symptoms may be mild. As the disease progresses, it attacks the brain, and symptoms become neurological. If you [Continued]

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No matter where you get your dog, distemper is a risk. It's common to think, "My dog is from a top-notch breeder, so he's safe." Get your dog vaccinated on schedule and put to rest one worry that shouldn't burden any dog owner.

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