How To Spot and Treat Distemper in Dogs

Distemper is a highly contagious disease in dogs that affects their respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.¹ The good news is it’s preventable. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are often the most at risk, so staying informed can pay off.²

Below, we’ll cover the distemper symptoms to watch out for, different treatment options, and how you can keep your dog safe from this disease.

What Is Distemper in Dogs?

Distemper is a highly infectious viral disease that affects both domestic dogs and wild animals — like foxes, wolves, skunks, and raccoons.² It’s a serious illness that can impact multiple parts of a dog’s body, including the digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems.¹

Because distemper affects so many bodily functions, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms and can be challenging to diagnose early on.

What Causes Distemper in Dogs and Puppies?

The canine distemper virus (CDV) is the cause of distemper in dogs and is similar to the virus that causes measles in humans. After exposure, the virus enters a dog’s respiratory system and starts replicating itself in the lymphatic tissue.¹

This replication allows the virus to spread quickly throughout a dog’s body, attack immune system cells, and affect multiple organ systems. The rapid spread of CDV makes it harder for a dog’s immune system to fight this and potential secondary infections.^2,3

Unfortunately, distemper can be fatal, and dogs who survive may experience long-term damage to their nervous systems.² This can lead to symptoms like muscle twitching and seizures down the road.¹

How Is Distemper Spread?

Distemper is primarily spread through aerosol droplet secretions or direct contact with infected animals.¹ Coughing, barking, and sneezing can release the virus into the air, where other dogs may breathe it in. It can also be spread through shared items — like water bowls, toys, food, or bedding — that have been contaminated by an infected dog.²

While the virus doesn’t survive long outside of a host, infected dogs can continue to shed the virus for several months. This can make it highly contagious even after symptoms subside.¹

Is distemper contagious?

Yes, distemper is highly contagious. The virus spreads easily through the air and by direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects. Even some wild animals, like raccoons and skunks, can carry and spread the virus to domestic dogs.²

What dogs are at risk of canine distemper?

While all dogs can potentially contract distemper, those who are unvaccinated are at the highest risk. Puppies younger than 4 months old are especially vulnerable since their immune systems are still developing, and they may not have completed their vaccination series.²

Distemper Symptoms in Dogs

The signs and symptoms of distemper in dogs can vary and often present in two stages as the disease progresses. Here’s what to look out for:

Stage 1: Early distemper symptoms

In the initial phase (also called the acute phase) of distemper, dogs may show signs that the virus is affecting their respiratory and digestive symptoms. The clinical signs of distemper in the acute phase may include:^1,2

• Fever
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy (unusually tired or inactive)
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Coughing and other respiratory issues, like pneumonia

After the acute phase, dogs may develop hyperkeratosis, which is a hardening of their footpads or nose, giving them a dry, crusty appearance. Secondary bacterial infections can also occur since the dog’s immune system may be weakened by the distemper virus.¹

Stage 2: Neurological symptoms

As distemper progresses, it can start to affect the nervous system and lead to more serious issues, including:^1,2

• Muscle twitching
• Jaw movements and convulsions (called “chewing-gum fits”)
• Seizures
• Head tilting
• Walking in circles
• Paralysis

The timeline for these symptoms varies. In some cases, the disease runs its course in about 10 days. However, neurological symptoms can take weeks or even months to appear. Some dogs may have a mild case of distemper without any neurological signs, while others experience it more severely.¹

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict whether an infected dog will develop neurological symptoms.¹

How Do Vets Diagnose Canine Distemper?

Diagnosing canine distemper can be tricky because the symptoms often mimic other illnesses, like parvovirus or canine hepatitis.¹ Veterinarians typically use a combination of methods to confirm a distemper diagnosis, including:^1,3

• PCR test: A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is often used to detect whether the canine distemper virus is present in the dog’s body. This test analyzes a sample of bodily fluids, like nasal swabs or blood, to identify the virus in the body.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help vets check for specific antibodies the dog’s immune system produces in response to distemper. High antibody levels might indicate an active infection or that a dog has been exposed to the distemper virus.
• X-rays: In cases where a dog is experiencing respiratory issues, veterinarians may use X-rays to check for signs of pneumonia or other lung complications, which are often associated with distemper.

Through these types of tests, vets can better assess whether a dog is infected with distemper or another disease or illness. The tests can also help your vet determine the best course of action for treatment.

How To Treat Distemper in Dogs

Since there’s no cure for distemper in dogs, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. Vets usually provide supportive care, which can include treatments to ease gastrointestinal issues, keep the dog hydrated and nourished, and control neurological symptoms — like convulsions or seizures.^1,2,3

Infected dogs are often separated from other dogs to prevent the spread of the virus.²

Canine distemper treatment costs

The cost to treat distemper can vary depending on how sick the dog is and how severe the infection is. Treatment could range anywhere from $500 – $2,000 or more, especially if hospitalization is needed.⁴ The strain of the virus and your dog’s immune system can also affect the outcome and risk of long-term health issues.

How To Prevent Distemper in Dogs

The good news is distemper can be prevented with the DAPP vaccine, which protects against distemper and other common diseases. Puppies usually get a series of DAPP vaccines during their first 16 weeks, followed by booster shots for adult dogs to ensure continued protection.

Here are some simple ways to help prevent a distemper infection:²

• Keep your dog away from infected animals: Avoid contact with dogs or wildlife that may be infected with distemper.
• Be cautious when socializing puppies: If your pup hasn’t been fully vaccinated yet, steer clear of places where many dogs gather, like parks or doggy day cares.
• Vaccinate other pets: If you have a pet ferret, make sure they’re vaccinated too since they can carry the distemper virus.
• Stay up to date on dog vaccinations: Regular DAPP booster shots are crucial to keep your dog protected, regardless of their age.

Pet Insurance May Help Offset Distemper Treatment Costs

If your dog is diagnosed with distemper, the treatment and recovery can get expensive. A dog insurance policy through MetLife Pet Insurance may help you cover the costs of hospital stays, diagnostic tests, medications, and treatments for chronic conditions. Optional preventive care coverage can also help with routine vet visits and distemper vaccinations.

Get your free quote today, and see how you can save on your dog’s health care.