Canine Distemper

    Canine distemper has nothing to do with your dog barking at the mail
    carrier or your pet growling when you touch that one certain place on
    their belly. Canine distemper is a viral disease, similar to measles, that
    affects domestic dogs, weasels, hyenas, foxes, red pandas, raccoons,
    skunks (not Bambi’s Flower though), ferrets, some species of wild cats,
    and many other wild animals.

    Puppies are as vulnerable to the canine distemper virus as we are to the moose tracks
    chocolate ice cream in our freezer, and much more likely to die from it. They can get the
    virus from eating or drinking after a distemper-infected animal; inhaling infected mucus;
    licking the nose and eyes of another infected dog; or from the feces and urine of an
    infected animal—none of which is as tasty as chocolate ice cream. Although, most
    victims of distemper are younger, dogs as old as seven with the virus have been
    documented.

    Because the initial distemper viral exposure is usually inhaled, Sparky’s lymph nodes
    go into overdrive and within days, the virus is spread into the bloodstream. Symptoms
    may first resemble those of a bad cold. Sparky may run a reoccurring fever; have a
    yucky eye discharge, and a runny nose.  He may also become depressed and start
    to resemble an old house slipper. Then the virus spreads to the lungs, digestive tract,
    urinary tract and central nervous system. Diarrhea, coughing, trouble breathing, and
    vomiting may follow. The animal’s footpads and nose may become hard and calloused.
    Eventually, the animal stops eating and becomes under weight.

    It’s the disease’s attack on your pet’s central nervous system that may cause canine
    distemper to be fatal. Most animals eventually develop encephalomyelitis or inflammation
    of the brain and spinal cord resulting in: seizures sometimes called “chewing gum fits”
    because the animal appears to be chewing gum; muscle un-coordination and twitching;
    paralysis; and mental deterioration.

    An accurate diagnosis of canine distemper can be difficult. Your veterinarian may
    perform several tests in an attempt at diagnosis and may simply rule out any other
    disorder as the cause. The best test for diagnosis may be to examine the epithelial
    cells of the bladder lining. Animals in the first three weeks of the disease with have
    cell inclusions in a majority of the cells.

    Treatment and care for your ill pet should include anti-nausea medication, anti-diarrheals,
    antibiotics or bronchodilators for secondary infections like pneumonia, anticonvulsants
    for seizures, and possibly glucocorticoid therapy. Animals who are suffering from
    dehydration may need intravenous fluids. Try to comfort your pet by keeping it in
    a warm, draft-free place and wipe away any nose and eye discharge. More than half
    of the dogs with canine distemper die from the complications.

    Your best defense against canine distemper is vaccination. Puppies are born with their
    mother’s immunity, but it begins to wane at about six weeks of age, which is when puppies
    should be vaccinated.

    Even dogs already exposed to the virus can avoid becoming ill if they are vaccinated
    within a few days after exposure.  There are several different vaccines available, each
    with different risks. A second vaccine is administered a year later and boosters are
    required on a scheduled basis.

    While pharmaceutic vaccines can be effective in many cases they present a number of
    side effect risk factors that should be discussed with your veterinarian beforehand.

    After an outbreak of distemper, the premises should be wiped down with a bleach water
    solution. Wait for at least a month before introducing a new pet into the environment and
    plan on distemper vaccines on a regular basis (for your pet not, for you).

    Natural and homeopathic remedies for canine distemper

    Natural and holistic remedies have also proven to be highly beneficial in supporting the
    immune, respiratory and digestive systems. These remedies are safe and gentle to use
    for your pet without the harmful side effects of conventional medications.

    One of the most well known herbs known as Echinacea purpurea helps to support the
    immune system. Homeopathic ingredients such as Distemperinum and Bryonia supports
    the immune, respiratory and digestive systems by keeping the chest clear, maintaining
    digestive functioning and keeping the body temperature within normal range.

    Source: Article provided by purchaseremedies.com contributing expert author and
    researcher Sheli Ellsworth

    Helpful Supplements for Canine Distemper

    Vi-Pro Plus - Homeopathic preparation of the canine distemper vaccine (CDV) to protect
    against symptoms like fever, diarrhea and respiratory symptoms - Continue
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