There is no treatment for distemper so preventing the disease in dogs is crucial.
Los Angeles County has recently experienced an alarming rise in infections; our close proximity to wildlife in Rancho Santa Margarita increases the risk of this deadly disease. Please take advantage of the opportunity to vaccinate pets at the affordable and convenient monthly clinics held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center!
Distemper is a viral infection that can infect dogs, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and large cats such as lions and tigers. The virus does not cause disease in cats or humans. Dogs can become infected with the distemper virus from direct contact with a sick animal or being near an infected animal when it is coughing or sneezing. The virus can also be transmitted through shared food and water bowls, or other objects that were contaminated by an infected animal. Puppies and un-vaccinated dogs are at highest risk of catching distemper.
Common clinical signs of distemper in dogs include discharge from the eyes and/or nose, fever, coughing, lethargy, disorientation, tremors, and seizures. The clinical signs are similar in raccoons and other wildlife.
