Anything For Animals

posted by admin on Jun 25

What is distemper in puppies?

Distemper in puppies is totally avoidable with vaccination, however many dog owners do not see this as something to concern themselves with.

Basically, when a puppy is weaned and definitely by 9 months of age, their maternal immunity ceases to be effective and they are susceptible to any viruses or diseases that come their way - unless they have been vaccinated obviously.

Needless to say that at this time they have an increased chance of getting distemper, and it is likely as they will be socialising with other dogs in their first year and will be very excited about the whole thing - they will probably eat all sorts of things they are not supposed to as well - possibly ingesting parasites, and other infectious agents.

Puppies will show the same distemper symptoms as dogs show, and will possibly be setting themselves up for some disabilities in their old age. They can also get one well known ‘classic sign’ while still young - and they are known as ‘distemper rings’.

Basically a distemper attack in a young puppy (under 6 months of age) can affect the growth of enamel (the hard protective outer-casing) on all it’s teeth . What this results in is a permanent sign of the infection visible as damage to the enamel, or missing enamel (exposing the sensitive dentine layer) on it’s permanent adult teeth.

So, the puppy will have weaker teeth as a youngster, so a higher risk of oral disease, tooth decay and broken teeth (which can affect overall nutrition and coat quality as well as internal organ damage). Do not buy a puppy with these signs on it’s teeth.

Distemper in puppies is therefore a ruined life. This disease is not fatal, but it is disabling, and there is no need for any dog to have to suffer for the sake of a single vaccination.

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