My new dog tested positive for distemper. How to protect my other dogs?

Since dogs can shed the virus for 4-5 weeks, I would wait at least a month from the first test before taking Manila around other dogs. As for the positive test result, your vet can call the lab and/or the vaccine manufacturer to ask about that particular vaccine reacting with the test to cause a false positive.

I am so sorry for your loss. There is a risk for bringing in another puppy so soon after distemper was in your place. Good news is that distemper isn’t a very sturdy virus without a “host” so if you thoroughly cleaned, Rancho will likely be okay but no guarantee. I would throw away any bedding or toys the other dog used. I would also keep a really close eye on your new dog for any symptoms that are concerning. I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question. It should be fine to visit. I would change your clothes as soon as you come home and could even shower before interacting with your own dogs. Being adult dogs and fully vaccinated their risk would be minimal. I certainly would not take your dogs to your dogs to your friend's house though. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Charlie. Puppies are typically vaccinated for the distemper virus. However, some are never taken to a veterinarian. So I would certainly recommend having Charlie vaccinated now. He would need an initial vaccine and then a booster in 3-4 weeks. This will ensure that he is adequately protected. I hope this information helps!

Unfortunately, it takes up to 2 weeks for a vaccination to be effective, so vaccinating the exposed puppies after exposure, will not help protect them from their previous exposure, but may help protect them against future exposure. I am including more information about distemper below. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952099 Since distemper is very contagious, I would not recommend having the exposed puppies around any other dogs if they are potentially contagious. You can call your local VetCo clinic to determine if they are able to accommodate the puppies in a safe manner, so that other dogs are not exposed. You can find your local location here. https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/clinic-locations-and-schedules/ Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

I would keep them separate for now and wash your hands after handling each dog. She needs to rest as stress may make her worse. I’m not sure what type of sickness she has but contact them tomorrow and they should be able to get medication for you to give her at home. She will heal more quickly at your house than in a shelter environment. If your dog is healthy and vaccinated it should be able to fight off any infection the new dog may have. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dogs.

Vaccinated animals are at a very low risk of acquiring distemper virus and passing it on to other dogs. This is because the virus cannot live without fresh secretions; it is inactivated in minutes outside the dog's body. The infected dog typically infects other dogs via coughing infected respiratory secretions though the virus is shed in most other body secretions, including urine. A dog with distemper, even if recovered from the virus can shed the infection for up to 2-3 months so I would restrict any future contact and monitor for any abnormal clinical signs, including coughing or nasal discharge.