What are the Symptoms of Canine Distemper?

Canine distemper, also known as canine distemper virus, is a highly contagious and extremely lethal infectious disease caused by the canine distemper virus. For dogs, it is like a devil, seriously threatening their health and lives. Understanding the symptoms of canine distemper is not only the responsibility of every dog owner but also important knowledge that can save a dog's life at a critical moment. Let's take an in-depth look at the symptoms of canine distemper so that we can detect abnormalities in dogs in time and take measures.

Early Symptoms: Similar to the Common Cold and Easy to Be Overlooked

The early symptoms of canine distemper are very similar to those of the common cold, which is why many dog owners tend to overlook them. At this stage, dogs usually experience a rise in body temperature, generally reaching 39.5°C - 41°C, and showing a biphasic fever pattern. That is, the body temperature first rises and lasts for 1 - 3 days, then drops back to normal, and rises again after a few days. At the same time, dogs also show depression and loss of appetite. The once lively and active dogs become listless and lose interest in their usual favorite toys and food.

Respiratory symptoms are also common in the early stage. Dogs may sneeze, have a runny nose, and cough. The nasal discharge is initially serous and turns purulent as the disease progresses. The eyes also show abnormalities. The conjunctiva becomes red, and there is an increase in secretions. In severe cases, the eyes may even be unable to open. Some dogs may also experience digestive tract symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can cause the dogs to lose weight rapidly and become increasingly weak.

Middle - stage Symptoms: Worsening Condition and Involvement of Multiple Systems

If canine distemper is not detected and treated in time in the early stage, it will progress to the middle stage. At this time, the condition worsens significantly, and multiple systems are affected. The respiratory symptoms worsen further. The cough becomes more severe, and the breathing becomes rapid, and even dyspnea may occur. Dogs may breathe with their mouths open due to breathing difficulties and make heavy wheezing sounds.

The digestive tract symptoms also become more severe. Vomiting and diarrhea occur frequently. The vomit may contain blood streaks, and the diarrhea stools become foul - smelling, and sometimes there may be bloody stools. This can lead to severe dehydration in dogs, decreased skin elasticity, sunken eyeballs, and a sharp drop in body weight.

Neurological symptoms also begin to gradually appear, which is a relatively serious manifestation of canine distemper. Dogs may experience local convulsions, such as twitching of facial muscles, shaking of the corners of the mouth, and nystagmus. Some dogs may also show ataxia, staggering when walking and being unsteady on their feet, as if they were drunk.

Late - stage Symptoms: Dominated by Neurological Symptoms and Life in Danger

In the late stage of canine distemper, neurological symptoms become the main manifestation, and the symptoms are more severe. Dogs may experience generalized convulsions, and the frequency and duration of convulsions increase. Some dogs may also have epileptic seizures, suddenly falling to the ground, with stiff limbs, foaming at the mouth, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms not only cause great pain to the dogs but also make dog owners feel extremely distressed.

In addition to neurological symptoms, the physical condition of dogs also deteriorates significantly. They almost completely stop eating and drinking, are extremely weak, can only lie quietly, and lose response to everything around them. If effective treatment is not carried out in time, the dog's life will soon come to an end.

Special Symptoms: Skin Symptoms and Thickened Paw Pads

In addition to the above common symptoms, canine distemper may also present some special symptoms. Skin symptoms are also relatively common in canine distemper. Lesions such as erythema, papules, and blisters may appear on the dog's skin. These lesions usually appear on the abdomen, inner thighs, and other parts. Some dogs may also experience hair loss and scab formation on the skin, and the skin becomes rough and dry.

Thickened paw pads are also a special symptom of canine distemper. The dog's paw pads become abnormally hard and thick, as if they were wearing a thick pair of "boots." This affects the dog's walking and makes their movements slow and difficult.

The symptoms of canine distemper are diverse, and the manifestations vary at different stages. As dog owners, we should always pay attention to the physical condition of our dogs. Once we find any abnormal symptoms in dogs, we should take them to a pet hospital for examination and treatment in time. Early detection and early treatment are the keys to improving the cure rate of canine distemper. I hope every dog owner can understand the symptoms of canine distemper and protect the health of these lovely furry friends. Let's work together to protect them from the threat of canine distemper and let them grow up healthily and happily.