Canine Distemper and Parvovirus: Deadly Diseases you can Prevent

Canine Distemper and Parvovirus

The disease canine distemper is caused by a dangerous viral infection. Canine distemper virus can affect many different types of animals but is most common to dogs. Puppies are vulnerable to canine distemper, especially between the ages of three and six months. Canine distemper virus spreads through contact with body fluids, and symptoms of dog distemper begin to appear 6-22 days after exposure to the canine distemper virus. Canine distemper attacks your dog's immune system and central nervous system. Puppies experience the highest mortality rate from canine distemper but dog distemper is very dangerous for dogs of any age. Symptoms of dog distemper include vomiting, runny nose, diarrhea, dehydration, excessive salivation, and coughing or labored breathing. The canine distemper virus then spreads into the central nervous system, and your dog may show such symptoms as uncontrollable twitching, increased sensitivity to sensation, and uncontrollable jaw movements.

Canine parvovirus is another deadly viral infection common to dogs. Puppy parvo is almost always deadly. Parvovirus symptoms develop with five to ten days of exposure to the disease. Parvo in dogs can lead to lethargy, vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea. Parvo treatment can include hospitalization and is not easy to administer, especially if the disease has advanced. Parvo treatment usually consists of re-hydrating and anti-nausea injections. In some cases parvo treatment requires a blood transfusion to pass on the immunity developed by dogs who survive canine parvovirus. Canine parvovirus has a very high mortality rate. Luckily, you don't have to worry about canine distemper or parvovirus taking your dog away from you before her time. Vaccinations exist that can protect your dog from canine distemper and canine parvovirus. Your vet will no doubt want to vaccinate against canine distemper and canine parvovirus right away, beginning when your dog is a puppy. These vaccinations may require booster shots so don't forget to follow up! Canine distemper and parvovirus are painful diseases, and if your dog becomes infected she may never recover. These diseases are so common that you can't take a chance. Make sure your dog is fully vaccinated against dog distemper and canine parvovirus.

 

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