Canine Distemper Virus, also known as CDV, is highly contagious among dogs and must be tended to early in a dog’s life. Receiving a vaccine will ensure your dog is kept safe and guarded from this virus. However, if a vaccine has not yet been received there are certain signs and treatments to bring your dog back to his or her health.
Signs
A fever in your dog can be a sign of CDV, however many dogs to not show symptoms until about 7 days into the infection. First signs include watery or mucous secretions from the nose or eyes, lethargy, even a loss of appetite. Also, check for a hardening in your dog’s footpads, this is something your vet will be sure to examine. Coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting are also more mild signs that your dog has been infected.
If these symptoms go untreated, the virus will tend to affect your dog’s central nervous system, which can lead to stumbling while walking, even seizures.
Treatment
Symptoms can be resolved through numerous medications and therapies. If it is being treated at home, be sure to keep your dog’s environment clean, warm, and draft-free. Also, be sure to clean discharge from the nose and eyes.
If symptoms are more severe, hospitalization will be necessary until symptoms lessen and your dog can be sent home healthy again.
Remember, this is very common, and can be successfully treated. However, if you are a new puppy owner, be sure to ask for the vaccination and avoid CDV in later years.
