Distemper
Distemper is a serious contagious viral disease of dogs, foxes, ferrets and mink. It is characterised by fever, gastroenteritis, bronchopneumonia, and nervous signs. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, pneumonia and incoordination. Some strains can cause thickening of the skin of the nose and pads. About half of affected dogs may die.
Distemper is a serious contagious viral disease of dogs, foxes, ferrets and mink. It is characterised by fever, gastroenteritis, bronchopneumonia, and nervous signs. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, pneumonia and incoordination. Some strains can cause thickening of the skin of the nose and pads. About half of affected dogs may die.
Distemper is a relatively rare disease, and the vast majority of dogs will obtain permanent protection if they are vaccinated as puppies and once more after they are six months of age.
Veterinarians have been vaccinating against distemper on an annual basis since the 1970s. There is no scientific justification for this. Now many vets are vaccinating every three years against distemper. Again, there is little scientific justification for revaccination this frequently.
Ask your vet to do a blood (titre) test to see if your dog has antibodies against distemper. If he has, there is no need to revaccinate and subject your dog to vaccine risks.
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