Vom Löwenherzig Rottweilers ~ Canine Distemper

CANINE DISTEMPER

Canine distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. It is found everywhere in
the world where there are dogs. The disease is spread in the air and via direct dog-to-dog
contact.

Distemper primarily affects puppies and younger dogs, but it can infect and kill older dogs as
well. The disease attacks primarily the respiratory and digestive systems and the central
nervous system (brain and spinal cord), but can affect every organ of the body. Canine
distemper is so widespread that nearly every dog is exposed during his/her lifetime. The
disease is not transmittable to people or cats. The disease's high death rate makes vaccination
essential.

Vaccination of puppies should begin at six weeks-of-age and be repeated every two to four
weeks until 16 weeks-of-age. A dog exposed to canine distemper disease should be given a
booster vaccination, regardless of his/her vaccination history. An annual booster vaccination
should be given for life.