Like many diseases that may develop in dogs, the symptoms of Canine Distemper are not definitive or unique to this disease. However, many dogs that are infected with Canine Distemper will experience several of these symptoms, depending on which stage of infection they are currently experiencing. Since many of these symptoms are universal to other serious health conditions, it's important to give your dog veterinary attention if several of these symptoms develop.

1. REDUCED APPETITE

Dogs that have recently been infected with the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) will usually begin to lose interest in food. While this is by no means a distinguishing symptom of Canine Distemper (since a reduced appetite is also a symptom of many other health conditions), it is still reason enough to schedule a veterinary check-up.

2. COUGHING/PNEUMONIA

Being subject to coughing, as well as diagnosed pneumonia, is very common in dogs that are showing symptoms of the Canine Distemper Virus. Since CDV usually initially attacks the respiratory system and mucous membranes, any coughing or pneumonia in dogs that have not been vaccinated against Canine Distemper is always cause for concern.

3. EYE/NOSE DISCHARGE

Excessive "gooey" discharge from the eyes is also known as Conjunctivitis. This is a symptom of the Canine Distemper Virus attacking the mucous membranes of a dog, and is usually initially present in the early stages of infection. Rhinitis, which is also known as "runny nose", is also present at this time, usually in conjunction with discharge from the eyes.

4. FEVER

About 3 to 6 days after being infected with CDV, a fever usually develops. However, in most cases, this fever goes unnoticed, even as it peaks again several days later. Most dog owners will not notice if their dog has a fever, even if it is in the range of 103 – 106 degrees Fahrenheit (which is the usual temperature of a fever associated with CDV infection).

5. VOMITING/DIARRHEA

Though vomiting and diarrhea are not symptoms that are unique to dogs infected with CDV, any disturbances involving the gastrointestinal tract are usually signs of a medical condition. Dogs with CDV will often experience one or both of these symptoms during the initial to middle stages of infection, and both symptoms have the possibility of becoming severe.

6. CALLUSES ON THE NOSE AND PAWS

This is a very common symptom of Canine Distemper, and is one of the reasons that Canine Distemper used to be known as "hard pad disease". Hardening of the nose of foot pads is a chronic symptom, which is usually present in dogs that have survived both the initial CDV infection and the neurological conditions associated with Canine Distemper.

7. SEIZURES

This symptom usually occurs when the Canine Distemper virus has progressed to the central nervous system. Seizures are usually a sign of a very advanced form of Canine Distemper, as the disease has already progressed through the stages of infection in the respiratory system and the GI tract.

In addition to seizures, other neurological symptoms may develop, such as muscle tremors, loss of motor skills, localized or complete paralysis, and a noticeable deterioration of your dog's mental ability to function.