 |
 |
|||
Puppy DistemperPuppy distemper is very common and few dogs escape exposure to the virus. It is however preventable and vaccination is strongly advisable.
Distemper in dogs is a common and highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and the nervous systems of puppies and dogs.
It is said to be the "greatest single disease threat" to the dog population. If contracted, over half of the adult dogs and as many as 80 percent of puppies die from it.
All dogs are at risk of contracting distemper but puppies younger than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine distemper are at increased risk
of developing distemper.
Exposure to the distempter virus is through the air (from exhaling or sneezing) or by contacting contaminated bowls, toys, etc.
Because canine distemper also affects animals in the wild (e.g. foxes, raccoons, ferrets, skunks, wolves, etc.), contact between these wild animals and domestic puppies and
dogs may facilitate the spread of the virus.
Symptoms of Puppy DistemperDistemper in puppies and dogs develops in stages. There is a six to nine-day incubation during which no signs of infection can be observed. After that, the puppy develops a fever and becomes lethargic. Afterward, the puppy may become normal for a few days or a week, and then it will suddenly show symptoms typically seen in dog distemper, such as:
Conventional Treatment for Puppy DistemperThere are no effective drugs that can kill the distemper virus. Conventional treatment is limited to the use of antibiotics to prevent secondary infections; the use of drugs to control vomiting, diarrhea, or neurologic symptoms; and the administration of fluids to combat dehydration. If encephalitis is developed as a result of distemper, the puppy is usually euthanized because medical treatment is almost always ineffective. TopNatural Remedies for Puppy Distemper
While natural remedies cannot kill the distemper virus, some remedies are effective in speeding up recovery from the infection. Also, natural herbs can be used as part of
recovery support and to build up immunity weakened by the disease.
If your dog has developed a fever as a result of distemper, it is important to withhold solid food to avoid development of complications such as encephalitis. Fast your dog
on vegetable broth and water until a day after the body temperature has returned to normal.
In the meantime, give Vitamin C to your dog to fight infection. For puppies and small dogs, give 250 mg every 2 hours; for medium dogs, 500 mg every 2 hours; and for
large dogs, 1000 mg every 3 hours.
As mentioned above, one symptom of puppy distemper is eye inflammation. To avoid permanent damage to the dog's eyes, special eye care is necessary. Mix about 1/4 teaspoon
of sea salt with a cup of distilled water. Soak a piece of gauze in the mixture and use it to clean the eyes. After that, put a drop of olive oil in each eye to help with
the healing process.
There are several homeopathic remedies (such as distemperinum, pulsatilla, arsenicum album) that can be used to alleviate some symptoms of puppy
distemper, but it is better to consult with a holistic vet who, after examining your dog, can more readily choose the most appropriate remedy for the symptoms shown by
your dog.
Top
Puppy Distemper - Herbs and Supplements for Recovery
It takes about a week for a puppy to recover from a not-so-severe case of distemper. The severity of course is dependent on the immunity of the puppy and the amount of
treatment received.
While on the road to recovery, natural herbs can be used to help the puppy get well faster and to boost her weakened immunity.
For dogs who have suffered severe diarrhea and whose digestive systems have been affected, support and strengthen the system by supplementing
probiotics and
digestive enzymes.
Since distemper can also affect the nervous system, the herb oat can be given to the dog to strengthen
and provide overall support for the system. A tincture of oat can be used. Cooked oatmeal can also be added to the dog's food to help the nerves.
Finally, to strengthen the immune system, herbs such as echinacea and astragalus are
beneficial.
Top
Prevention of Puppy DistemperDistemper in puppies and dogs can largely be prevented by vaccination and, of course, avoiding contact with infected animals. Since young puppies are very susceptible to infection, vaccinating our puppies against distemper is imperative. There are two important points that we should bear in mind regarding vaccination and immunity:
You May Also Want to See: Canine Vaccines and Puppy Vaccination Schedule Parvovirus in Puppies References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). American Veterinary Medical Association (http://www.avma.org) TOP of Puppy Distemper |
| |||
|
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service? |
||||
| Homepage | Join Our Community | Funny Dog Pictures |
Dog Ecards | | Links | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Template Design | It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian. |
||||
|
| ||||
