22/09/2025
⚠️DISTEMPER OUTBREAK ALERT⚠️
Canine distemper virus (also called canine morbilivirus, hardpad disease, or "hondesiekte") is a highly contagious and usually fatal disease. It primarily affects dogs, but is also seen in some wildlife.
THERE IS NO CURE FOR DISTEMPER. Dogs with mild symptoms may survive with supportive care, but often have lasting health issues, including chronic pain, blindness, heart disease, and bone deformities. Puppies, dogs with weak immune systems, and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk, while older dogs who receive consistent vaccinations are the safest.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Distemper often occurs in tandem with other bacterial or viral infections, worsening symptoms and prognosis. It affects the respiratory system, lymph nodes, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, and central nervous system. Dogs with neurological symptoms have the poorest prognosis. Contact us immediately if your pet experiences any of the following - earlier treatment has a higher chance of survival.
- Runny nose, sneezing
- Red or runny eyes
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Rapid weight loss
- Dehydration
- Incoordination
- Twitching
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Stiff neck
- Paralysis
STAYING SAFE
Vaccination is CRUCIAL. If your dog has not been vaccinated in the last year, they are not protected. If you are unsure, check their vaccination card or phone your vet to have them check their records. Distemper spreads through bodily fluids, and not all contagious pets are visibly ill - dogs may spread the virus for up to 14 days before displaying symptoms, and even after recovery from illness. Avoid stray, ill, or unknown dogs, as well as wildlife. Don't use public food and water bowls or share toys with strangers. Regularly disinfect communal areas, or areas that may be contaminated by other animals.
If you have any questions or need to book your dog for vaccination, please call us on 012 997 1419.
