Distemper (Da2PP)

Canine Distemper (D)

  • Canine Distemper is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease of dogs. It is very common in wildlife (fox, skunks, raccoons), and very capable of infecting non-vaccinated dogs.
  • Canine Distemper is characterized by discharge from the eyes and nose, loss of appetite, fever and other respiratory signs. Later in the course of the disease, many dogs will develop problems with their nervous system.
  • Prognosis is fair to grave with many dogs redeveloping the illness. The death rate is reported to be about 50% with surviving dogs often having continuing problems.

Adenovirus 2 (a2) and Parainfluenza Virus (P)

  • Adenovirus 2 and Parainfluenza virus are contagious respiratory infections that cause symptoms very similar to “Kennel Cough.” Most often noticed is a cough lasting anywhere from a few days to weeks.
  • Viral infections of the respiratory system damage the airway lining and can easily be complicated by secondary bacterial infections which can make dogs sicker, even possibly leading to pneumonia.
  • Damage from Adenovirus 2 infection can last more than a month past the dog looking better.
  • Vaccination against Adenovirus 2 also gives cross protection against Infectious Canine Hepatitis.

Canine Parvovirus type 2 (P)

  • The Canine Parvovirus strain in the puppy and dog populations today cause much more severe disease and higher death rates than the strains seen 20 years ago.
  • Clinical signs include severe diarrhea (usually bloody), vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, fever and pale mucus membranes. It can dramatically affect the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, blood proteins and blood sugar. Parvovirus causes high death loss especially among puppies.

Is my dog at risk for these diseases?

  • These viruses are quite deadly and very easy to transmit. They are as easy to transmit as the common cold.
  • Indoor dogs can come into contact with these viruses through screens, by getting loose and coming into even distant contact with infected dogs and wildlife.

Can we prevent these viruses?

  • Vaccination with a combination product is very effective in preventing these diseases and also very safe.

RVVS recommends regular vaccination with Da2PP for all dogs.