How Long Does A Dog Have Distemper?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The terminal stage for Canine Distemper is usually

2-4 weeks after infection

; however, it can last several months in older patients. If the nervous system is affected, most pets decease within days.

Does distemper in dogs go away?


There is no cure for canine distemper infection

. Treatment typically consists of supportive care and efforts to prevent secondary infections; control vomiting, diarrhea and neurologic symptoms; and combat dehydration through administration of fluids.

What are the stages of distemper?

  • Weepy eyes and nasal discharge.
  • Coughing.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Lethargy.

How long is a dog contagious after distemper?

Up to five days prior to the onset of clinical signs. This is complicated though by the number of cases that are shedding without recognizable signs of illness. How long do infected dogs remain contagious?

Up to four months post recovery

.

What are the signs that my dog is recovering from distemper?

Adult dogs can recover from canine distemper but often have lasting neurological or central nervous disorders like:

Seizures

.

Muscle twitching

.

Jaw spasms

.

How do I know if my dog has distemper?

The main clinical signs are

diarrhea, vomiting, thick yellow discharge from the eyes and nose, cough and, in severe cases, seizures and neurological signs

. Dogs that recover from the disease are often left with persistent nervous muscular twitches and recurrent (repeated) seizures.

Is distemper painful for dogs?

Distemper can cause long-lasting seizures and chronic severe pneumonia that is

very painful

and difficult to manage, even with medical supportive care. The disease can shed in dogs for up to six months, which makes isolation difficult and increases the likelihood for infectious spread.

How long does the first stage of distemper last?

The survival rate and length of infection depend on the strain of the virus and on the strength of the dog’s immune system. Some cases resolve as quickly as

10 days

. Other cases may exhibit neurological symptoms for weeks and even months afterward.

Can a dog with distemper take a bath?

hi, just want to ask if i can give my dog a bath after recovering from distemper? In general

yes but you should wait until your pup is completely recovered

. I recommend to discuss the timing of the first bath with your veterinarian as they are most familiar with your pup and it’s recovery.

What cleaner kills distemper?


A good disinfectant containing phenol, or a 1:20 dilution of household bleach

kills the virus instantly.

Can a puppy survive distemper?

Treatment. There is no cure for the distemper virus.

Pups with severe symptoms usually die within a few weeks, unless hospitalized and given supportive care

. 2 Owners can provide some nursing care at home.

Can a dog still get distemper if vaccinated?

Question: Can my dog contract distemper if he’s had a vaccine? Answer: Unfortunately, the short answer to this question is “yes”. Vaccines are unable to 100% completely protect against a disease, however

providing your dog with the recommended vaccination protocol will greatly reduce his chances of becoming sick.

Can humans catch distemper?

Illnesses common among housepets — such as distemper, canine parvovirus, and heartworms —

can’t spread to humans

.

How long does the neurological phase of distemper last?

Classically, the neurologic phase of distemper occurs

1-3 weeks after the resolution of the mucosal phase but can potentially occur months afterwards

. Sometimes the mucosal phase is so minor that is not noticed, as might occur in a dog that is older or has received some vaccines but not enough for full protection.

How do vets check for distemper?


A conjunctival or nasal swab placed in viral transport medium

is an ideal sample at this time to submit for PCR testing for distemper virus. If viral transport medium swabs are unavailable, a swab moistened with sterile saline and placed in a sealed sterile tube is a good substitute.

How can I help my dog with distemper?

To care for a dog with distemper,

separate your dog from your other pets and contact your vet as soon as you recognize the symptoms

, such as eye discharge, vomiting, and lethargy. Then, keep your dog warm with extra blankets or a hot water bottle in its bedding.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.