Symptoms of canine distemper in dogs: Repeated high fever

In the early stages of the disease, the dog's body temperature will rise sharply, as high as 39.5~41℃, lasting for about 2-3 days. Then it subsides, very similar to the characteristics of a cold recovery. The phenomenon that the sick dog seems to be improving causes most dog owners to relax their vigilance. In the middle stage of canine distemper, the body temperature rises for the second time, the duration is uncertain, the condition further worsens, and the fever remains high.

Symptoms of canine distemper in dogs: depression

Most dogs are depressed in the early stage, but some dogs are particularly lively or quiet, making it difficult for owners to distinguish the symptoms. In the middle period, dogs' spirits are particularly bad. Most dogs are obviously not active at this time and just want to lie down. In the later stages, the dog's spirit goes up and down. Due to loss of appetite and lack of nutrition, the dog will have difficulty walking, become less likely to move, become highly depressed, and lethargic.

Symptoms of canine distemper in dogs: loss of appetite

Dogs still eat a little in the early stage, but lose appetite in the middle stage. A few dogs can still eat a little if fed. In the later stages, the dog can no longer eat and is very resistant to eating.

Symptoms of canine distemper in dogs: Eye abnormalities

In the early stages, dogs will have red conjunctiva, swollen eyelids, and secretion of watery secretions. In the middle stage, the eyes will secrete more and more pus and eye feces. In the later stage, the dog's eyes will be filled with pus secreted, and the eyes will stick together and cannot be opened. Eye injuries in some dogs are clinically characterized by conjunctivitis and keratitis. In severe cases, corneal ulcers, perforation, and blindness may occur.

Symptoms of canine distemper in dogs: runny nose

Dogs with canine distemper will have dry noses and watery secretions. In the middle stage, in a few cases, transitional lesions of nasal skin keratosis can be seen, fine cracks appear on both sides of the nostrils, and pus flows from the nose.

Symptoms of canine distemper in dogs: Cough

Dogs will cough in the early stage of canine distemper. In the middle stage, respiratory inflammation becomes more obvious, and symptoms of tracheitis and pneumonia often occur. In the later stages, it turned into a wet cough and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of canine distemper in dogs: vomiting and diarrhea

Dogs appear constipated in the early stages, and soon develop diarrhea symptoms. The feces are foul-smelling, sometimes mixed with blood and bubbles. Dogs with gastrointestinal infections will experience vomiting, diarrhea, and if the puppies are also infected with intestinal parasites, they may also develop symptoms of intussusception. If no treatment is taken, the dog will eventually die from severe dehydration and weakness.