Overview
Canine distemper is a serious illness that can affect your dog’s lungs, heart, immune system, stomach, and brain. It’s caused by a virus similar to measles and can be life-threatening, especially for puppies or unvaccinated dogs. There’s no cure — just supportive care while their immune system fights it off.
Thanks to vaccines, distemper is now much less common in the UK, but it hasn’t gone away completely. In places where fewer dogs are vaccinated, it can still spread. Dogs that recover may be left with lasting effects, like twitching or seizures. It’s sometimes called ‘hard pad disease’ because it can make their nose and paw pads thick and rough.
What are the symptoms of distemper in dogs?
How does distemper in dogs spread?
How is distemper in dogs diagnosed and treated?
How do I look after my dog after recovering from distemper?
Do vaccines stop distemper in dogs?
Canine distemper FAQs
What do studies on distemper in dogs say?
What’s the history of distemper in dogs?
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Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS
Published on 18/06/2018 • Reviewed on 17/11/2025