Canine distemper is not contagious to humans. Typically, when dogs contract canine distemper, they exhibit symptoms such as an elevated body temperature and a high fever. Their temperature can often reach 39.5°C to 40.5°C (103.1°F to 104.9°F).
There is currently no scientific literature that confirms the canine distemper virus can infect humans. Research indicates that the canine distemper virus is not transmissible to humans. As it stands, canine distemper virus is not likely to infect humans unless it undergoes a significant mutation. However, if the canine distemper virus were to undergo a major mutation, it might potentially lead to a variant that could infect humans. The likelihood of this occurring is quite low at present, but it's essential to remain informed about emerging research.
What are the Symptoms of Canine Distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease in dogs, caused by the canine distemper virus. It primarily manifests as upper respiratory infection symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, a thick nasal discharge, and inflammatory discharge from the corners of the eyes. Dogs infected with distemper typically experience a fever, with body temperatures often ranging between 39.5°C to 40.5°C (103.1°F to 104.9°F). As the disease progresses, many dogs develop neurological symptoms, such as a persistent decline in mental state and appetite, leading to a refusal to eat or drink. In the mid-to-late stages of the disease, some dogs’ paw pads may exhibit signs of hyperkeratosis, becoming overly thickened, darkened, and cracked. Mild neurological symptoms appearing in the mid-stage can worsen to become severe, such as epilepsy-like symptoms involving frothing at the mouth and uncontrollable convulsions. Some canine distemper cases may also show gastrointestinal symptoms. The mortality rate for dogs affected by distemper is very high.