
The Major Causes of Distemper in Dogs
To comprehend and also treating distemper in pet dogs, pet owners have to understand the underlying causes of distemper in dogs. This can aid a pet owner prevent distemper developing in the first place or in the future.
Distemper in dogs is transmitted primarily by coughing and sneezing. The risk of exposure od distemper virus is high when a dog sneeze which can spread respiratory particulates up to 8 meters or 20 - 25 feet.
Food bowls and contaminated supplies and equipment can also help transmit distemper.

How to keep an eye on your dog’s health?
Pay attention to your dog’s attitude – A pet owner can tell many things by observing the dog’s behaviour including how he or she is physically feeling. You’ll need to ensure his health is gradually getting better and responding to treatment. For example, your fur baby should start to wag his tail , pay attention to you and get up to greet you. If he perks up and starts asking for food, then that is good sign to indicate he she is getting better.
On the other hand, if you observe your fur baby is becoming less interactive or just lying still, he or she may be getting worse and require medical attention.
Track how often your dog vomits – If you monitor your pet is not drinking or vomiting, then you have to make sure your dog does not become dehydrated.
If your pet vomits, then withhold food for 12 to 24 hours, however keep offering water. If he or she is not able to keep fluids down either, contact the vet straight away.
When you contact the veterinarian, inform your vet how many times in a specific span of time your dog has vomited. However, if your pet vomited just once and resumed eating and drinking again, it’s probably no cause for alarm.
Look for diarrhea – If you see, then you’ll have to follow your pet into the yard to see what he pr she eliminates. if you notice large volumes of watery diarrhea then contact the vet.
If you notice blood his or her stools, your fur baby may need intensive supportive care like intravenous fluids.
If you notice your dog has a little diarrhea, be sure to give lots of fluid. Make sure that he’s getting more fluid than he or she is losing.
Not drinking enough fluid –Monitor the gums of your pet, which should be moist and pink. If you observe them to be dry feeling, it is very likely your dog may be dehydrated.
The other way to check if you dog is hydrated is to lift up the scruff of your pet’s neck and let it drop. If your pet is hydrated, it should immediately return to the original position. If your dog is dehydrated, the skin will slowly fall back over the course of a few seconds, rather than snap back. Usually dehydration in a sick dog is a cause for concern, so it is best to take your dog to the vet.
If you see your pet is dehydrated, try offering some form of fluids. If he or she takes them, continue to monitor for dehydration. Howeveryou’re your dog can’t keep fluids down, get medical care urgently. To avoid any damage to organ, your pet may need medication of intravenous fluids.
Monitor your dog’s breathing – It is good to watch the breathing pattern of your dog and it can tell a pet owner tell you a lot about how your pet feeling. If your pet is in pain or suffering from some form illness, your pet may breathe heavily or pant.
In most circumstances, coughing and heavy breathing are symptoms of a chest infection. It is also advisable to keep an eye on your dog’s gums if his breathing causes huge chest movements.
The gums in your dog’ mouth should be pink and healthy. However, if the gums look tinged blue or pale, contact your vet. Your pet could be in respiratory distress as your pet might not be getting enough oxygen.
You can also keep an hourly record of your dog’s breathing. Normally your pet breaths 20 – 30 times per minute. If your pet’s breathing rate increases steadily, his or her condition has deteriorated and you need to contact the vet.
