How long can a dog live with distemper?

Puppies are especially vulnerable and are most at risk for death, so it's doubly important to have them vaccinated. It will be a routine part of a first visit to the vet, if the dog is at least five or six weeks old. Causes. Dogs that are infected with canine distemper virus are highly infectious. read more

Distemper can’t be cured. Dogs who’ve progressed to the second stage are at a much higher risk for death than if it’s caught earlier and treated. Treatment can help the dog’s immune system better mount a response, or it may lesson the symptoms. Your vet may prescribe: Antibiotics. These aim to prevent a secondary infection. Intravenous fluids. read more

Distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which despite its name can cause disease in other species such ferrets, seals and even porpoises. The virus is able to live in lymph, epithelial and nervous tissue, which means infection can spread via moist breath, saliva, urine and feces. read more

In most dogs over five months of age it will take three to five days. If the dog is exposed during that time it may still develop distemper; often they are milder cases. There are always a small number of dogs who will not respond to the vaccine for a variety of reasons. read more