At Loves Dogs, we dedicate our time to helping rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need. One of the most heartbreaking and preventable diseases we encounter in unvaccinated dogs is canine distemper virus (CDV). This highly contagious and often fatal disease poses a serious threat to dogs, especially puppies and those with weakened immune systems. Understanding what distemper is and how to prevent it can save countless lives.
What Is Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The virus is spread through direct contact with an infected dog’s saliva, urine, or respiratory droplets and can even be transmitted through shared food and water bowls. It is most common in unvaccinated puppies and stray dogs, but any dog lacking immunity is at risk.
Symptoms of Canine Distemper
Early symptoms can resemble a cold or mild respiratory infection, but the virus progresses quickly. Watch for signs like:
✅ Runny nose and watery eyes
✅ Fever
✅ Coughing and labored breathing
✅ Lethargy and loss of appetite
✅ Vomiting and diarrhea
✅ Thickening of the paw pads (commonly called “hard pad disease”)
✅ Seizures, twitching, or other neurological symptoms
Dogs that survive distemper often suffer long-term neurological damage, including muscle twitching, difficulty walking, and behavioral changes.
How Can You Prevent Canine Distemper?
The good news is that distemper is preventable with proper care. Here’s how you can keep your dog safe:
🐶 Vaccination Is Key – The distemper vaccine is part of the core vaccinations that every dog should receive. Puppies should get a series of distemper shots starting at 6–8 weeks old, followed by boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Adult dogs need regular boosters throughout their lives.
🐾 Avoid Contact with Stray or Unvaccinated Dogs – Distemper spreads easily in areas with high stray populations or shelters with poor vaccination protocols. If you adopt a new dog, confirm their vaccination status before introducing them to your pets.
🦴 Practice Good Hygiene – Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces if you’ve been around dogs of unknown vaccination status. Avoid sharing food or water bowls between unfamiliar dogs.
🚑 Seek Veterinary Care Immediately – If you suspect your dog has been exposed to distemper, contact your vet immediately. There is no cure, but supportive care can improve survival chances.
Loves Dogs: Our Commitment to Canine Health
At Loves Dogs, we ensure every dog that comes through our rescue receives core vaccinations, including distemper. We also educate adopters on the importance of keeping their pets vaccinated and protected. By spreading awareness, we hope to reduce the number of heartbreaking cases we see in rescue each year.
By keeping your pet vaccinated and safe, you’re not just protecting your dog—you’re helping stop the spread of a devastating but preventable disease.
If you’d like to support our mission, consider adopting, fostering, or donating to help us provide lifesaving care to dogs in need. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless pups! 🐶💙
We are an all-volunteer nonprofit rescue organization, and we depend on donors just like you to help us help dogs in need. Become a Loves Dogs Partner ❤️🐾 with a monthly donation today. Click here to get started.