Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips

Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too Late

Canine distemper is a devastating disease. It often crops up in seemingly healthy pets without any warning. What's more, distemper often mimics benign problems, like the common cold. This is truly the most insidious aspect of this illness. Sadly, many cases progress to the point where they are no longer treatable before the owner even realizes what's happened.

How to spot the early signs of distemper

First and foremost, understand that distemper can often be diagnosed very early if regular trips to the veterinarian are scheduled and kept. This cannot be stressed enough, especially for new puppies! Because afflictions like distemper most often strike very young pups when they have weaker immune systems, it's crucial that owners visit the vet often in the first few weeks of life. Early diagnosis means a chance to survive distemper.

Owners who suspect distemper, but haven't had the animal seen by a vet yet, can detect it by a couple of signs. First, yellowish-green or dark green discharge from the eyes and nose is a classic symptom. It's often accompanied by sneezing and general lethargy. Unfortunately, many pet owners assume this is just a sign that their dog has contracted a cold or has allergies and they ignore it.

If you remember nothing else about what you read here, remember this: any greenish discharge from the eyes or nose means distemper is a real possibility. RUSH your pet to the vet at the first sign! In most distemper cases, the only chance your puppy or dog has is early detection and aggressive medical therapy.

While distemper can manifest differently from one dog to the next, another hallmark of it is constant shaking or twitching. This happens in the more advanced stages of the disease, when the infected dog's neurological system has been compromised and muscles fire continuously. Unfortunately, by this stage it's rarely treatable and the humane step is euthanasia. Having said that, always get your pet checked out thoroughly to rule out some other condition that may be causing the tremors. You never know. Dogs are like people, in that they are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses and diseases that can share very similar symptoms. Never assume!

It isn't easy for pet owners to prevent diseases as serious as distemper. It's infamous for sneaking up on otherwise healthy puppies. But starting a new puppy out right - with good nutrition and regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and check-ups - will go a long way toward keeping him healthy and disease-free. Know and watch for the signs of distemper and your dog will have a strong ally in you!

John Schwartz is a freelance writer, webmaster, and dog lover. He has written many published articles on subjects that include shopping for distemper, improving distemper, and good distemper practices. Please visit my dog supply site for monthly distemper.

In The News:

Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.
An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.
Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.
A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.
The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.
Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.
If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.
Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.
The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.
Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.
The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.
The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The FBI is warning the public about a recent phishing scam via text that claims its targets owe money in Pennsylvania for unpaid road toll charges.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dog for Family Life

Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More

Pet Vitamins are Essential for Your Dogs Health

Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More

Rescue Dogs

We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More

But My Pet Will Never Run Away (or Why We Need Licenses)

The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More

Whats the Best Diet for a Pregnant Cat?

Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More

Scottie & Westie - This Mistake is Perfectly Understandable

Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie,... Read More

Scottish Terrier Rescue - For the Love of Scotties

Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters,... Read More

Ear Mites in Dogs: Quite Earritating

Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More

Train Your Buddy To ?Walk? & ?Dance? - Warning: Not All Dogs Can Do It!

Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More

The Story Of My Amazing Dog Shandy

This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More

West Highland White Terriers - Make Your Westie Famous

The West Highland White Terrier or Westie, has it's origin,... Read More

Pet Peeve: Dogs Doing Business Where Not Wanted

We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More

Five Fast Facts About the Cavalier King Charlies Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you... Read More

Fat Dogs - How To Get Overweight Dogs to Diet and Slim Down Without Whining

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More

Animal Behavior: What is My Dog Saying?

Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More

Training Your Dog to Sit

Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing... Read More

Decorative Bird Cages

Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More

Do You Know About Boxer Dogs?

Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More

Does Your Dog Have Fleas?

Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Does that sound familiar? Hopefully... Read More

How To Recognize A Respiratory Tract Ailment In Your Parrot

A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More

Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your... Read More

Alarm Clock Kitty, How to Stop Early Morning Meowing

Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow.... Read More

Goldfish Feeding Tips

What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More

Good Dog Care Is Vital

Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More

Does Your Boston Terrier Want To Be With You?

This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More