Just like humans, dogs are at risk of contracting a wide range of viral infections, some more serious than others. Canine distemper is one of those serious diseases that you should be aware of as a pet owner and understand how to safeguard your furry friend against.
Thankfully, your dog can receive a canine distemper vaccine to minimize the threat of this viral illness. Schedule your canine distemper vaccine in Mandeville, LA, today through VetNaturally Animal Hospital.
Why Your Dog Needs the Canine Distemper Vaccine
Contrary to its name, canine distemper doesn’t have anything to do with your dog’s temperament. Instead, it’s a viral infection that spreads from dog to dog through direct contact, airborne droplets and bodily fluids.
This infection is highly contagious, but taking the proper steps to prevent canine distemper can help your furry friend stay healthy. The canine distemper vaccine effectiveness is nearly 100%, almost completely eliminating the risk that your dog will contract this illness
All dogs are at risk of contracting canine distemper without proper immunization. No matter your dog’s age, breed, or health, you should take this important step in dog disease prevention.
Risks of Canine Distemper
Canine distemper produces serious symptoms in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms may arise, such as:
- Seizures
- Lack of coordination
- Convulsions of the jaw
- Partial or complete paralysis
At the first sign of any of these symptoms, take your dog to our clinic immediately. Unfortunately, as many as one in two dogs who contract canine distemper die. Dogs that do survive typically experience permanent nervous system damage.
Canine Distemper Vaccine Side Effects
When you schedule your canine distemper vaccine with us in Mandeville, LA, you may wonder about the side effects your dog could experience.
The risk of serious side effects from the canine distemper vaccine is fairly low. Most dogs who do experience side effects display minor symptoms, such as:
- Soreness
- Low fever
- Mild upset stomach
- Mild swelling at the injection site
These side effects should not last longer than a few days.
Rarely, dogs experience severe side effects. Watch for symptoms like severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or trouble breathing. If you have any concerns about how your dog is reacting to the vaccine, don’t hesitate to call our office.
The benefits of being vaccinated against canine distemper far outweigh the risk of side effects. But if you are hesitant about the potential risks, our vets will discuss all of the pros and cons with you to help you make an informed decision.
Canine Distemper Vaccine Schedule
Our vets vaccinate against canine distemper through a combination vaccine called DA2PP. This vaccine safeguards your furry friend against:
- Canine distemper
- Canine adenovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Canine parvovirus
DA2PP is one of the core vaccines for dogs, meaning the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends it for all dogs. It’s part of the regular puppy vaccine schedule; puppies receive their first dose at six to eight weeks of age, and then receive a canine distemper vaccine booster after three to four weeks. The next dose will come after one year, and then dogs are set to receive DA2PP every three years.
Failing to complete the full vaccine schedule will not protect your dog against canine distemper. Our clinic will ensure that your dog receives all of the necessary doses and boosters according to the correct schedule to maintain full immunization against this illness.
We also offer titer testing to test your pet for any existing antibodies for the distemper virus. If you pet tests positive for these titers, your pet does not need the distemper vaccine for that year.
Schedule Your Canine Distemper Vaccine in Mandeville, LA, Today!
The canine distemper vaccine, DA2PP, is one of several vaccines that we recommend as part of our pet vaccination guide. Vaccines play an important role in protecting your dog against preventable infections and viruses. Are you ready to schedule your canine distemper vaccine in Mandeville, LA? We’ll administer this vaccine as part of your pet’s next wellness check-up, or you can schedule a separate appointment. Call VetNaturally Animal Hospital today at (985) 718-9991 to learn more.
