Veterinary medicine has advanced a lot, to the point that nowadays it is very easy for dogs to arrive elderly and can have a good quality of life. However, disease-causing microorganisms are still "smarter," and even though we vaccinate our friends, we cannot be sure that they are protected, not 100%.
And, in fact, no vaccine completely protects against infections. But, Can dogs have distemper even when vaccinated? If you have doubts, then I will solve them for you.
What is distemper?
Distemper is a disease transmitted by a virus that affects the immune system of dogs, and of other animals such as ferrets. It is more common in puppies, since their defenses have not had time to strengthen as they are still short-lived. But you have to know that any dog, regardless of how old it is, can fall ill.
What are the symptoms?
If we want to know if our dogs have distemper, we will have to look at whether these symptoms have appeared:
- Green nasal discharge
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Threw up
- Corneal ulcer
- Cough
- Seizures
- Tics
- Hardening of the pads
How do they spread?
This is a very contagious disease. It is enough for a healthy dog to come into contact with the viral particles that are in the air in aerosol form. For that a sick dog must have passed by; Hence, it is advisable to carry out the pertinent tests in the event that an animal is to be adopted, especially if we already live with one.
And is that any dog can get distemper. Now, as we said, puppies and the elderly are the most vulnerable. But if they are not vaccinated, the risk is very, very high, since it can also be transmitted after having shared the drinker and / or the feeder with another sick dog.
After an incubation period of about 14-18 days in the dog's body, the first symptoms will begin to appear.
Which is the treatment?
Whenever we suspect that our dogs have distemper, the first thing we have to do is take them to the vet as soon as possible to have blood tests done so that he can make a diagnosis and start treating the symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no treatment that eliminates the virus, so what you do is treat them to prevent dehydration and to keep them as good as possible.
Thus, the vet will generally choose to give them antibiotics and vitamin supplements to help them fight the infection. But at home you have to make sure they drink water or, at the very least, eat wet food so that they can stay hydrated.
Can it be prevented?
Not 100%, but Yes, it is important to vaccinate dogs to prevent them from getting infected as much as possible. The first dose should be received between 6 and 8 weeks of age, and again once a year.
In addition, giving them a good diet (without cereals or by-products), walking and doing physical exercise with them and making sure they are happy, will help a lot to make their health good enough so that, in case of infection, it is easier for them to overcome it.
Can a vaccinated dog get sick?
Yes of course. The vaccine does not protect you 100%. Yes, it is one of the best measures to prevent disease, but it is not perfect. And if we add to that the fact that humans can forget to take them to the vet for a booster dose once a year, the risk of contagion is even higher.
We must be responsible towards him, and ensure that he receives all the care he needs ... also the veterinarians. This disease can be fatal, so it will be up to us to keep your vaccination agency up to date.
Hope it has fit.