Do dogs get a fever in the early stages of distemper?

Canine distemper is one of the most common viral infectious diseases, and it has a significant impact on a dog's health. Generally, in the early stages of the disease, there will be respiratory and digestive system infections, manifested as purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to severe nervous system infections and death. The duration of the disease is long, and the mortality rate is high. However, if detected in time, there is still a possibility of cure.

Early symptoms of canine distemper

In the early stages of the disease, the affected dog becomes listless and loses its appetite. There will be secretions flowing from the eyes and nose, and the temperature will rise twice. After the second increase in temperature, the condition gradually worsens, often accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, pneumonia, diarrhea, hyperkeratosis of the paw pads and nose. Early detection and isolation treatment are key to improving the cure rate and reducing the mortality rate.

How to treat canine distemper

The main treatment is symptomatic. In the early stages of canine distemper virus infection, subcutaneous injection of hyperimmune serum against canine distemper can be performed. At the same time, to control secondary infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, cefazolin, and gentamicin are used for treatment. When the infected dog stops eating or has severe vomiting, it is necessary to replenish its water and nutrition in a timely manner. When a dog has a fever due to canine distemper, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs can be used together. If the dog has neurological symptoms, oral administration of neurostabilizing agents is necessary.

Precautions after canine distemper treatment

After systematic treatment in the hospital, pet owners must enhance the dog's nutrition and basic immunity at home. The first thing to do is to provide easily digestible food, such as lean meat congee or softening dog food. Do not feed dogs milk, as it is bad for their stomach. Instead, you can feed them some nutritional supplements and protein powders. If the dog doesn't like to eat, you must still use a syringe to feed it and provide nutrition.