Distemper in dogs rife and deadly
Dog owners are encouraged to vaccinate their pets regularly.
The amount of dogs contracting the deadly Distemper virus, is increasing daily and dog owners need to take the reasonable measures to have their pets vaccinated.
Parvo is also on the increase and is highly contagious as it is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Only vaccinations can prevent this disease.
Canine experts in the area have warned if dogs do not get their compulsory vaccinations, it could lead to their death as there is no cure for canine distemper which is a contagious viral disease.
Dr. Deon Koekemoer from the Horison Park Animal Clinic said he has found the virus is more rife in dogs living in township conditions as opposed to dogs staying in the suburbs.
“There is unfortunately no cure for the virus and it is usually treated with antibiotics,” Koekemoer said.
He added the virus deteriorates in the dog’s body.
“Dogs also end up having brain damage because of the virus, but this depends entirely on which part of the brain has been affected.”
Canine distemper is contagious and is tansferred from one dog to another via the sniff of urine, vomit and excrement.
Humans can contract the virus as well, however, they will show no symptoms or illnesses.
Here are the symptoms to look out for if you suspect your dog has the virus:
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Vomit
• Diarrhea
• Ocular discharge (discharge from the eyes)
• Nasal discharge
• Twitching
Cora Bailey from Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) says dogs with this virus have been brought to them continuously and stressed the fact that people should budget for vaccinations before getting a pet.
“By vaccinating pets regularly, it prevents the heartache of getting your dog the help he needs if he is infected with a deadly virus,” Bailey said.
Bailey recommends the vaccinations to be done annually and puppies from six weeks should get their first vaccine against the disease.
She added although distemper in dogs is a worrying factor, tick-bite fever is more widespread in the Durban Deep area.
“Claw deals with the tick disease daily and many dog owners make the mistake of washing their dogs in Jeyes Fluid thinking it will help them. What they do not realise is it slowly poisons the dog,” Bailey said.
Tick-bite-fever can only be treated by a vet.
Visit your local vet or SPCA for regular vaccinations for your animals.
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