Canine distemper: FAQ

What is canine distemper?

Canine distemper is a virus that targets different organs around the body. This includes:

• the brain
• the immune system
• the gut
• the heart
• the lungs
• the nerves
• the eyes
• the skin

It's closely related to the measles virus in humans. Nowadays canine distemper is extremely rare, thanks to effective vaccinations which were introduced in the 1950s. But it remains a risk to dogs who do not have up to date vaccinations.

What are the symptoms of canine distemper?

Early canine distemper symptoms include:

• mucous in the eyes and discharge from the nose
• a lack of appetite
• coughing
• pneumonia
• fever (although this can come and go and is hard to detect)

At this stage, some dogs’ immune systems can fight the virus. But in others, after a few weeks from the first symptoms, the central nervous system and other body systems can be affected. As the infection spreads through the body, it goes on to cause:

• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• thickened paw pads and thickened skin on the nose
• seizures (ranging from tremors of the jaw to full body convulsions)
• twitching
• limb weakness
• muscle stiffness
• imbalance

How do dogs catch canine distemper?

Canine distemper can be spread through the air and bodily fluids (such as saliva or urine). Dogs that have not been vaccinated are at higher risk of catching canine distemper.

How is canine distemper diagnosed?

Your vet may carry out a blood test. Tests to measure antibodies may also be done but false negative results are common.

How is canine distemper treated?

There is no cure for canine distemper, only prevention, which is why vaccinating your dog is so important. 

If your dog catches the virus, they will be given supportive care to help their body fight the virus. They'll also be treated with fluids to prevent dehydration, and given medication to help control seizures.

Will my dog recover from canine distemper?

If your dog is healthy and catches canine distemper, and supportive care is provided in the early stages, there is a good chance they will make a full recovery. Some dogs are able to make antibodies to fight the infection before it progresses onto the neurological stage. 

If the virus does affect the nervous system, it is more likely to cause ongoing health problems or death. But some dogs with strong immune systems can still make a full recovery at this stage.

How to I prevent my dog from catching canine distemper?

The only effective way to protect your dog from canine distemper is to keep their vaccinations up to date.

When on surfaces, the virus can be destroyed using disinfectants. Keep areas clean, especially if multiple dogs use them.

More about vaccinating your dog

Can humans catch distemper?

No, humans cannot catch canine distemper. Although it's closely related to the measles virus, canine distemper cannot be passed on to humans. Human measles also cannot be transmitted to dogs.