What are the symptoms of canine distemper in dogs

When we joyfully welcome our dog as a member of our family, it is like a warm light that illuminates every corner of our lives. We give it endless love and hope that it can grow up healthy and happy. However, there is a terrible disease - canine distemper, like a demon hidden in the dark, that can come quietly at any time and cause great pain to dogs. When a dog is unfortunately infected with canine distemper, our hearts seem to be hit by a heavy hammer, filled with worry and heartache, eager to know: what are the symptoms of canine distemper in dogs?

Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by the canine distemper virus, which poses a great threat to the physical health of dogs. This virus is highly invasive and can attack multiple systems in dogs' bodies, causing a series of complex symptoms.

In the early stages of the disease, dogs may experience symptoms similar to a cold, which are often overlooked by us. Dogs may experience fever, with body temperature rising to 39.5 ℃ or even higher and lasting for a period of time. It may sneeze and have a runny nose. At first, the mucus may be clear, but as the condition progresses, it gradually becomes thick and yellow or green in color. There may also be abnormalities in the eyes, such as conjunctival congestion and excessive secretion of eye droppings. In severe cases, it may cause redness, swelling, tearing, and even affect vision. We watched as the dog's once bright eyes became dull and obscured by eye droppings, our hearts filled with anxiety, but we may have mistakenly thought it was just an ordinary cold.

As the condition worsens, the dog's digestive system will also be severely affected. It may experience loss of appetite, lose interest in its favorite foods, and even completely refuse to eat. At the same time, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. The vomit may be undigested food or mucus with foam. Diarrhea stool may appear as a thin paste, change color, and sometimes carry blood or mucus.

Canine distemper virus can also cause serious damage to the respiratory system of dogs. Dogs may experience coughing, which may initially be occasional mild coughing. As the condition progresses, coughing can become frequent and severe, and even symptoms of difficulty breathing may occur. It may open its mouth to breathe, breathe rapidly, and have noticeable chest movements. In some severe cases, inflammation may occur in the lungs of dogs, and obvious rales can be heard during auscultation. Every cough feels like it's gripping our hearts, and we can feel the dog's difficulty breathing, yet powerless.

Neurological symptoms are a manifestation of severe canine distemper. Dogs may experience seizures, with varying degrees and frequencies. Some may only experience occasional mild muscle tremors, while others may experience severe seizures throughout the body. Its head may involuntarily sway, and its walking may become unstable, tilting around as if it has lost its balance. Some dogs may exhibit abnormal behavior, such as spinning without reason or hitting walls, due to the virus invading the nervous system, leading to neurological disorders in dogs.

Skin symptoms are also more common in the late stage of canine distemper. Dogs' foot pads may thicken, harden, and lose their original elasticity. The epidermis of the nose may dry and crack, resulting in peeling. In some parts of the body, such as the abdomen and inner legs, rashes may appear in various shapes, some appearing as red spots, while others may have blisters. These skin problems not only affect the appearance of dogs, but also make them feel itchy and uncomfortable. They may constantly lick and scratch, causing skin damage and infection, further exacerbating the condition.

When we notice these symptoms in a dog, we must be highly vigilant and take it to a veterinarian in a timely manner. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for dogs to overcome canine distemper. During a dog's illness, we should give it more care and patience. Provide it with a warm and quiet resting environment, ensuring sufficient hydration and nutrient intake. Even if the dog has poor appetite, we should try various methods to make it eat, such as choosing its favorite food or making the food into a paste and carefully feeding it with a syringe. Every time we take care of a dog, it is a manifestation of our deep love for it. We look forward to it overcoming illness and regaining its former liveliness and happiness.

We are willing to use this unwavering love to accompany dogs through the difficult times of fighting against canine distemper. We look forward to dogs being able to overcome the troubles of canine distemper and regain their health and vitality under our careful care and professional treatment by veterinarians. Let's create more precious memories together with our dogs, under mutual care and protection, and let this deep emotion become even richer in the years, becoming the most precious asset in our lives. We believe that as long as we don't give up, dogs can definitely overcome the disease and accompany us through countless beautiful days again.