The canine distemper virus (CDV) is currently incurable. However, a canine distemper treatment at home mainly targets the symptoms. It might be the best alternative for fur parents who want to skip a vet visit.
Scroll through this article to learn more about this subject!
Transmission Of Canine Distemper Virus
All dogs are prone to contracting CDV. However, those who have direct contact with other dogs whom the virus has infected are primarily at risk. For instance, an infected mother can pass the virus by breastfeeding her puppies.
The virus may incubate for about two weeks to 18 days in the canine’s body before symptoms gradually appear. This is why dog guardians should ensure that their pets get vaccinated against the canine distemper virus, especially the little ones.
Any breed or age is vulnerable to the canine distemper virus. Although it does not guarantee a hundred percent, prevention is always better than cure.
7 CDV Symptoms And How To Treat Them At Home
Just a disclaimer: dog distemper home remedies cannot replace veterinary treatment. Home remedies’ primary objective is to relieve the painful manifestations of canine distemper, not cure them entirely.
Besides, performing such remedies must always be agreed upon with a specialist who treats the dog’s case. Below are some CDV symptoms and the appropriate home remedies to alleviate them.
1. Loss of appetite
CDV is usually associated with having weak cravings. The canine owner is responsible for ensuring their furry friend eats enough as their healing highly depends on it. Moist intestinal food is recommended in most cases since it is more digestible.
Ideally, dog guardians must not limit their dogs to more than one type of food. They should prepare various menus to keep the dogs interested. Aside from giving them broth, owners can add chopped chicken or liver to the mix.
To know more about what to feed them, guardians must discuss it with veterinarians to know which food they can add without compromising the dog’s appetite.
2. Vomiting
In some cases, CDV causes a gastrointestinal infection that harms the dog’s stomach. When this happens, owners must restrict their dog’s food intake for a few hours. Subsequently, they can start giving them small amounts of food — preferably wet and soft.
Remember that adding salt is not advised, but they can add olive oil to the food. In addition, due to vomiting, dogs may stop drinking water, increasing the risk of dehydration.
If this happens, do not force the canine to drink. Instead, wet the food lightly with water to encourage them to drink.
4. Cough
Stubborn cough is one of the severe canine distemper symptoms. Dog guardians must clean the house with enzymatic products to eliminate traces of dirt, dust, or organic material to reduce the risk of coughing.
Further, avoid smoking near the presence of the dog. If doable, try raising the humidity level with a humidifier. If there is no humidifier, taking the dog into the bathroom while its owner takes a shower can be a good canine distemper treatment at home.
Anxiety and stress contribute to coughing. Dog owners must calmly foster their pets. Also, they can replace the dog’s collar with a harness to dodge irritation of the larynx and trachea.
5. Diarrhea
With or without food, diarrhea can affect dogs suffering from canine distemper. Like vomiting, feeding the dogs in small quantities every four hours is beneficial. Also, lightly moistening their noses is another way to motivate them to drink water.
Dog owners can also prepare rice water to facilitate better digestion. The ingredients needed are water and white rice only. White rice is for providing high starch content.
Also, it is a natural remedy for rebalancing the dog’s intestinal transit. Canine caretakers may serve the rice water after the fasting period.
6. Fever
Dogs experiencing fever get easily dehydrated. If they decline to drink water in their bowls, try giving them water with a syringe. This helps in slow fluid therapy.
In addition, a cool compress is a helpful tool for lowering fever temperature. Gently rub the dog’s belly with a wet cloth. Alternatively, wrapping the dog in a cold towel might help.
7. Seizures
This particular CDV symptom is complicated. As a canine caretaker, ensure to follow the instructions provided by the vet. The veterinarian will provide medications, including antibiotics, to lessen seizure attacks.
Consequently, the dog must get plenty of rest to recover quickly. If the dog is having a seizure, the owner must stay calm. Also, avoid disturbing them and keep them as comfortable as possible.
Mortality Rate For Canine Distemper
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the canine distemper virus (CDV) yet. This disease is often lethal, with a mortality rate of 80% in puppies and 50% in adult canines. With an increasing mortality rate, owners with an infected pup should not take this lightly.
Conclusion
Taking care of dogs with canine distemper virus is no feat. Although there is canine distemper treatment at home, frequent vet visits should always be the owner’s top action priority. CDV home remedies cannot cure the entirety of the virus, and not accordingly treating them could result in severe conditions, or worse — death!
