With five cases of canine distemper confirmed in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County Animal Services is asking dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets and immediately report any symptoms of the disease to their veterinarian. Canine distemper is a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of adult dogs and puppies. The first symptoms to appear are pus-like discharges from the eyes and nose, poor appetite, a fever, and coughing. The second phase can include vomiting and diarrhea. In the final phase, dogs may start experiencing imbalance, tremors, and seizures. Animal Services is urging dog owners to check their pets’ vaccination records and make sure all shots are up to date.
