Canine distemper virus causes one of the most devastating multisystemic diseases in dogs, and vaccination is the only effective welfare protection against this incurable and often fatal infection.
Canine distemper causes severe, prolonged welfare suffering across multiple body systems. Dogs with acute distemper are profoundly ill — with fever, purulent discharge, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhoea — while those developing neurological disease experience seizures, muscle twitching, and progressive paralysis that may persist for life. The neurological phase is irreversible once established, meaning survivors may live with permanent disability including seizure disorders, weakness, or behavioural changes. The welfare cost of distemper in unvaccinated populations is enormous. Vaccination with the core CDV component provides reliable, long-lasting protection that is one of the most important welfare investments in a dog's life.