When it comes to pet care, there are a lot of concerns we pet owners need to address. One of these concerns is the canine distemper virus. 

CDV causes a highly severe and infectious disease that affects dogs of all kinds. It’s difficult to diagnose and can be hard to pinpoint in the early stages. What's worse is that this disease cannot be cured and can only be managed. 

But before all that, we’ll talk about what the distemper virus in dogs is and share everything you need to know to protect your dog from it. 

What Is Distemper in Dogs?

Canine distemper is a severe viral illness that’s caused by the canine distemper virus or CDV. It affects different parts of a dog’s body, including the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. 

Diagnosing distemper in dogs can be challenging as it shares various symptoms similar to other diseases, like canine parvovirus and kennel cough.

Among all contagious dog diseases, distemper is one of the most aggressive and challenging to treat once symptoms set in. Dogs with weak immune systems are the most vulnerable to infection. 

What Is the Main Cause of Distemper in Dogs?

The distemper virus in dogs can spread in various ways.

• Direct contact. Dogs can contract the distemper virus through contact with another infected animal. This means that dogs that stay close together in boarding facilities, kennels, and shelters will be at risk. 

• Airborne droplets. The virus can spread into the air when an infected dog sneezes, coughs, or barks. Healthy dogs that inhale the virus-filled droplets in the air can get infected. However, this isn’t the only dog that can get distemper.

• Contaminated objects. The virus can attach itself to objects like food and water bowls. If your dog gets in close contact with an object that an infected dog has used, this can be a cause of infection. 

• Bodily fluids. Your dog can get infected with distemper if it comes in contact with an infected animal’s bodily fluids, like vomit or urine. They’re at risk of infection if they sniff or lick these fluids.

• Wildlife encounters. Dogs that love to go outdoors can be at risk of distemper. This is because they can contract the virus from wild animals like foxes and other carnivores.

Distemper in dogs is dangerous in unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months old. They have compromised immune systems, so they easily get infected. If they live in shelters or in homes with multiple dogs, the risks become higher.

What Are the Symptoms of Distemper in Dogs?

Canine distemper has two stages. Each stage has varying symptoms as the infection progresses. The early stage has milder symptoms, but the next stage shows more serious signs. 

Stage 1: First Signs of Distemper in Dogs

The first phase of distemper in dogs can easily be mistaken for a simple cold. These include:

• Fever. Dogs with distemper often develop a rise in body temperature. This means that their immune systems are fighting the virus.

• Lethargy. Affected dogs can also become unusually tired and lethargic. They'll be more inclined to rest instead of playing.

• Coughing and sneezing. Because distemper affects the airways, leading to coughing and sneezing. These are one of the reasons why it’s commonly mistaken for kennel cough. 

• Nasal and eye discharge. Dogs can have watery or thick discharge on the nose and eyes. This will make seeing and breathing more difficult.

• Loss of appetite. Because of the constant discomfort, dogs will lose interest in food. They might not respond well when given food or their favorite treats.  

• Vomiting and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea are also to be expected with distemper. This can lead to dehydration long-term. 

Stage 2: The Progressive Stage of CDV

After the initial stage, the distemper virus can progress to a more severe and fatal condition if your dog isn’t treated immediately. If you notice any of these, you must bring in your dog for emergency vet care.

• Muscle twitches or tremors. In the later stages, affected dogs will be shaking and twitching. This is commonly observed in the face and legs. 

• Seizures. Some dogs can develop seizures that look like full-body convulsions. These episodes can become frequent as the disease progresses. 

• Loss of balance and coordination. Dogs may also stumble, fall, or have difficulty walking straight. This happens because the virus has damaged the vestibular system. 

• Behavioral changes. CDV can also alter the dog’s behavior and personality, which means that they’ll be confused, circling, anxious, withdrawn, or aggressive. 

• Respiratory symptoms. Affected dogs can also experience worsening respiratory symptoms, such as labored breathing and pneumonia. 

• Other possible symptoms. In some cases, dogs can also have head tilting or involuntary eye movements.