How to tell if your dog has distemper

VALERIE G. CONNELL

Here are the common symptoms of canine distemper, according to veterinarian Heather Priest.

Early symptoms included lethargy and going off food, followed by a greenish-yellow discharge from the eyes and nose, which may coincide with vomiting and diarrhea.

In its later stages neurological symptoms may be present, including an inability to walk, muscle spasms and seizures. She said symptoms vary from one dog to another and that each dog will not necessarily display all the symptoms.

The virus is spread through the exchange of body fluids from one dog to another. Humans and cats are not in danger of catching the virus.

Priest said she recommends vaccinating healthy dogs, isolating healthy dogs from sick ones, and keeping animals tied-up, penned-up, or indoors.