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How long does it take for distemper and parvovirus to occur in dogs?

Dogs infected with parvovirus and distemper usually show symptoms within 7 to 10 days. Parvovirus and distemper are two of the most common infectious diseases in dogs, primarily affecting unvaccinated dogs and puppies. These viruses are mainly transmitted between dogs through direct or indirect contact, and infection can be life-threatening.

What are distemper and parvovirus?

Canine distemper, also known as dog distemper, is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects young dogs. Once infected, the mortality rate can be as high as 80-90%, and complications such as pneumonia, enteritis, and intussusception may occur. Early symptoms include persistent high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and watery discharge from the eyes and nose, accompanied by sneezing and diarrhea. Later symptoms may include persistent high fever, cough, purulent nasal discharge, purulent eye secretions, and intermittent seizures.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus in dogs. After infection, dogs generally show two types of symptoms: enteritis and myocarditis. Gastrointestinal symptoms of parvovirus infection include severe vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, severe dehydration, anemia, and passing stools with a tomato-like odor. Myocarditis mainly affects puppies under two months of age, with symptoms such as sudden difficulty breathing, heart failure, and rapid death.

How to treat distemper and parvovirus in dogs

After a dog is infected with distemper or parvovirus, it is best to seek treatment at a pet hospital as soon as possible. Treatment involves using distemper and parvovirus monoclonal antibodies, interferon, and anti-inflammatory drugs. If a dog has a severe infection with distemper or parvovirus, it may also require fluid therapy to regulate the dog's acid-base balance, replenish necessary nutrients, and correct dehydration.

How to prevent distemper and parvovirus

  1. Avoid direct contact with dogs infected with distemper or parvovirus. If a dog in your household has an infection, it is best to isolate it from other dogs.
  2. Regularly vaccinate your dog against infectious diseases. After vaccination, check whether the antibody concentration is sufficient to prevent infection with distemper and parvovirus.