Many times we have heard about the different diseases that affect our pets, although, in general, we do not know the terms with which these diseases are known to afflict them. The distemper is one of them and this time we will know what it is and how we should act when it is presented.

¿What is canine distemper?

Canine distemper, also known as distemper, is a disease of viral origin that attacks dogs in a severe way; In case of infection, you must resort immediately to seek the help of a veterinary professional to save the animal’s life.
This disease is caused by a canine distemper virus of type ARN and genus morbillivirus, very aggressive, that attacks the respiratory tract, the stomach and the intestines, coming to interfere in a very invasive way in the central nervous system of the dogs that suffer it .

The most characteristic symptoms of canine distemper

We must be very attentive when we notice certain symptoms in our dogs, as they may be falling victim to this terrible virus that, in many cases, can be lethal. Among the most visible symptoms of canine distemper we can find:
Tearing and constant laganes in the periphery of the eyes, accompanied by much congestion and secretion.
The significant loss of appetite is another symptom that can be appreciated in the first instance, especially if you despise your favorite foods.
The presence of febrile states is an obvious sign of the loss of health in animals; therefore, it is necessary to go to a veterinarian specializing in internal medicine, in order to be sure that the temperature has been taken accurately and without misunderstanding, because in animals this procedure is usually somewhat complex.
We must be very attentive with their bowel movements, as it is normal that with the presence of this virus vomiting and diarrhea occur.
Nasal discharge is another of the obvious symptoms of the presence of distemper in animals. As happens to humans with colds, these animals are also presented with this watery secretion characteristic of any flu-like illness.
Cough is another symptom in the presence of this virus in the organism of the infected animal.

The development of canine distemper in our pets

There are no irrefutable parameters regarding the estimated time that the distemper virus can last in the animal, because, as always happens with all living beings, organisms are not the same and therefore do not always react in the same way. In addition, everything will depend on the care provided and the speed with which the case is handled.
Generally, the development phase of this disease can last for several days, but if proper precautions are not taken and the animal is exposed to rain or cold air currents, it may complicate and become a lethal disease although the mortality rate is not very high.
Under normal circumstances, with the timely care of the veterinarian and supplying the appropriate medication, our pet can get through without major setbacks. However, it is necessary to be very careful, even more, if the dog has not been previously vaccinated or if it is a puppy less than 5 months old, since in this age they are much more vulnerable to the presence of purulent mucus. If there is vomiting, then measures must be taken to avoid possible dehydration in the animal.
Once the distemper has been detected in dogs, precautions must be taken to attack the disease in an appropriate and timely manner, as well as to avoid contagion to other dogs, being the most indicated that the pet be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Treatment and care for the pet in the presence of canine distemper

In general, the treatment to be followed is based on antibiotics. The diet of the animal must be specially formulated to provide sufficient nutrients that prevent its weakening and prevent dehydration.
The care at home should be aimed at lowering fever, combat the general malaise of the pet and cut the chronic diarrhea. Chamomile is ideal to wash your eyes, in order to calm the swelling and combat redness. It is necessary to clean the mucus from the nose of the dog several times a day, because these mucus are full of bacteria and viruses that can delay their healing or cause secondary infections.
Salt water is also very useful to keep the pet free of mucus and gnats, while infusions with echinacea purpurea are also effective in alleviating the severe symptoms of canine distemper. It must, in addition