Distemper is one of the most serious diseases your dog can get. However, it's also one of the most preventable. Here are the facts you need to know.

Context Explanation

Canine distemper is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae (the same family of viruses that causes measles and mumps in humans). The disease is highly contagious via inhalation. [3] Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease of dogs and other carnivores such as ferrets, raccoons, skunks and foxes. While found worldwide, CDV is more likely to spread in communities with low vaccination rates and high dog populations.

Insight Material

Dr. Tiffany Tupler discusses distemper in dogs, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. Learn what canine distemper is, along with the signs, treatment options, and if it can be prevented. Canine distemper is a highly contagious virus caused by the paramyxovirus. It is seen in dogs around the world, but it can also affect ferrets, racoons, skunks, grey foxes, and many other...

Final Conclusion

Canine distemper virus is a paramyxovirus closely related to the viruses of measles and rinderpest. The fragile, enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus is relatively unstable outside the host. Learn the signs of canine distemper and see how to protect your pet against the virus. What is distemper? Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic dogs and other animals, such as ferrets, skunks, and raccoons. It is an incurable, often fatal, multisystemic (affecting multiple organs) disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.