Canine Distemper Causes

Canine distemper is an acute, contagious disease caused by the canine distemper virus. It has a strong infectivity. When a dog with a weak immune system directly or indirectly comes into contact with items such as feces, urine, and secretions of infected dogs, it is likely to contract the canine distemper virus. Therefore, when raising dogs ordinarily, preventive measures should be taken, including getting the dog vaccinated against canine distemper according to the vaccine schedule, reducing the dog's contact with other sick dogs, and thoroughly disinfecting the environment the dog is in regularly.

Direct Contact Infection

If a dog has not undergone an immunization program, it is prone to infection after coming into contact with a dog suffering from canine distemper. However, contacting the canine distemper virus does not necessarily lead to illness. Whether a dog contracts canine distemper mainly depends on the potency of the canine distemper virus strain and the dog's resistance to the virus. Puppies who have not been vaccinated are at the highest risk of contracting the disease.

Therefore, to reduce the dog's risk of infection, it is recommended that owners vaccinate their dogs against the disease when they are 45 days old, followed by a booster shot 21 days later. After receiving two consecutive doses, the dog will produce a high concentration of antibodies. Then, a yearly boosters is sufficient.

Indirect Contact Infection

Canine distemper is highly contagious and spreads mainly through the respiratory tract, followed by the digestive tract.

If a dog encounters an infected dog in a densely populated dog area, it can inhale the virus along with sneeze droplets and air, causing infection.
If a healthy dog licks objects that have been licked by an infected dog, the canine distemper virus can be transmitted through saliva.
If a owner comes into contact with an infected dog outdoors and then touches their own dog, they can indirectly transmit the virus to their dog.

Therefore, owners should strengthen their dog's breeding management, pay attention to the cleanliness of the dog's kennel, food bowls, and try not to take their dogs to places where pets gather. However, the best prevention method is to get the dog vaccinated against canine distemper virus.

Note: Canine distemper is the number one infectious disease in dogs, and the current cure rate is generally low. If you suspect your dog has symptoms of canine distemper, consult a veterinarian in time to avoid delaying the diagnosis.