Distemper in Dogs

How Distemper Spreads

Infected dogs shed the virus in respiratory droplets and other body fluids, so dogs can catch it from coughs and sneezes, close contact or shared food and water bowls.^1,4,5 Wildlife, especially raccoons, foxes, skunks and coyotes, are a major source, and outbreaks in raccoons often peak in spring and fall.^3,8,13 The virus doesn't survive long outside the body in warm conditions and is killed by ordinary disinfectants, unlike parvo, though it can last longer in freezing temperatures.^1,3

Signs of Distemper by Stage

• First days: a mild fever about 3 to 6 days after infection, which often goes unnoticed.^1,6
• Respiratory and eye signs: a second fever with watery nose discharge, thick eye discharge, coughing, lethargy and poor appetite, sometimes with pneumonia.^1,14
• Gut signs: vomiting and diarrhea.^1,5
• Hard pad: thickened, hard footpads and nose in some dogs, often a few weeks in.^1,5
• Neurologic signs: muscle twitching, chewing-gum fits, seizures, head tilt, circling, weakness or paralysis. These can appear weeks or months after the first illness, even after other signs have cleared.^1,7

About half of infections are mild or have no visible signs at all.⁶

Distemper in Puppies

Puppies under about 4 to 6 months and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk, and puppies have a much higher death rate.^4,14,3 Puppies that survive may develop nervous system signs weeks later, and those infected before their adult teeth come in can have damaged tooth enamel.^14,1

Diagnosis and Treatment

Vets suspect distemper from the signs and vaccine history and confirm it with PCR and antibody tests. A negative test doesn't always rule it out, and a recent vaccine can affect PCR results.^1,6,14 There's no antiviral cure. Treatment supports the dog with fluids, nutrition, antibiotics for secondary infections, medicines to control seizures, and oxygen or nebulization for pneumonia.^1,14,5 Infected dogs must be isolated from other dogs.¹⁴

Outlook and Lasting Effects

Dogs that recover from the respiratory and gut stages usually recover fully from those signs, but the neurologic outcome is hard to predict.¹ Some dogs keep mild twitching for life but otherwise live normally, while others have severe or worsening seizures.^14,5 Rarely, a fully vaccinated older dog develops "old dog encephalitis," a slow brain disease that isn't contagious.¹

Prevention

• Vaccinate. Distemper is part of the core DHPP vaccine. Puppies need a series ending at 16 weeks or older, then boosters.^15,16 See the DHPP vaccine.
• Avoid wildlife contact. Don't leave pet food or water bowls outside, and keep dogs away from raccoons, foxes and skunks.^4,13
• Keep unvaccinated puppies away from dogs of unknown vaccine history and places where dogs gather, such as parks, kennels and pet stores, until their series is complete.^4,17

See also parvo in dogs and kennel cough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of distemper in dogs?

Fever, eye and nose discharge, coughing, lethargy and loss of appetite.

Can a dog survive distemper?

Yes, about half do, but some are left with lasting twitching or seizures. Puppies are less likely to survive.

Can humans catch distemper?

No. Distemper is related to measles but doesn't infect people.

How do dogs get distemper?

From the breath and body fluids of infected dogs and wildlife, and from shared bowls.

Is distemper curable?

There's no cure, only supportive care, which is why vaccination matters.