What Is Distemper In Dogs?

Distemper in dogs is a multi-systemic viral disease which infects dogs. It is an extremely contagious disease that is known to affect a large amount of dog species. Canine distemper, as it is medically called, transmits usually through contact with respiratory discharges. Contact with urine and faecal matter of infected dogs also leads to the infection.

There are no antiviral drugs that can effectively cure distemper in dogs. The best thing to do is to treat the infection symptomatically. The vet administers antibiotics to stop the bacteria which attack of the damaged lining of the lungs and the intestines. Emollients and antispasmodic agents are prescribed to minimize diarrhoea. The dehydration is taken care of by administering intravenous electrolyte fluids. Since prevention is better than cure, there are vaccines which can protect the dog from the canine distemper virus.

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