Can vaccinated dog pass distemper to unvaccinated dogs after contact?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Although the virus does not last long on its own in the environment, it can be carried on feet, hands or fur and could conceivably infect an unvaccinated dog. An infected dog should be isolated and treated if possible. The environment can be disinfected using commonly used disinfectants.

  

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• Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 27th, 2018

  Distemper is very nasty and sometimes dogs can get it even though they were vaccinated, if the immune system did not respond properly. The fact that they are all showing signs of distemper is very strange if they were all vaccinated. Fully vaccinated= at least three courses of vaccines as a puppy and then boosters after one year. then every three years. If you vaccinated them yourself, there is a chance that the vaccine, if bought from a store and/or if it got warm, lost its effectivity.
  You will need to take all your dogs to your veterinarian for an exam and a blood test that verifies that this is indeed distemper.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 18th, 2018

  If he is properly vaccinated against the distemper virus then the chance of him getting the disease is extremely low. The efficacy of the vaccine is about 99% so dogs that are properly vaccinated do not typically get the disease.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 18th, 2018

  I'm sorry your mother's dog may have distemper! If your dogs are fully vaccinated against distemper, then there is no worries that they will get it. Distemper is most commonly spread through airborne exposure (coughing and sneezing), as well as direct contact with the infected dog. It can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. As long as your dogs have no contact with your mother's dog, you do not share bowels, blankets, and toys, and you practice good hygiene after seeing your mother's dog, your dogs should be fine. I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful