Spring and summer are boom times for newborn wildlife like raccoons, foxes, skunks and coyotes. As they learn to navigate the world, they’re susceptible to many threats, including infection by the canine distemper virus. Dogs are vulnerable, too — and right now, distemper is flaring in some parts of the U.S.
Canine distemper spreads by bodily secretions — especially respiratory droplets — so dogs don’t need to directly contact a sick animal to get infected. What’s more, dogs may not show signs until two weeks after infection. Subsequently, respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurologic signs build until most sick animals die.
There’s no curative treatment for canine distemper, but vaccines are extremely effective. So, make sure your pooch is protected before going out where wildlife may spread distemper.