Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is caused by a highly contagious organism in the Morbillivirus genus, Paramyxoviridae family. It can infect a broad range of animals, including ferrets and aquatic carnivores. While cats do not show clinical symptoms of Canine Distemper virus, they can sustain the virus when experimentally infected (suggesting they could be carriers). Symptoms and prognosis depends heavily on which strain of the virus has infected the animal and the resulting secondary infections, but the mortality rate is relatively high. Early detection is crucial and Veterinary treatment is necessary.
There is no “natural remedy” for CDV, but you can help your pet overcome Canine Distemper Virus or avoid it entirely. Aside from vaccination, both prevention and treatment revolve around the overall health of your pet and a fully functional immune system.
- A healthy, natural diet (avoid kibble if you’re treating a pet with Canine Distemper Virus)
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins A, C and E
- Exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
Natural Supplements to Treat and Prevent Canine Distemper Virus
These supplements boast powerful anti-viral properties. They are also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal which helps to prevent all infections, including secondary infections associated with Canine Distemper Virus. It is critical to purchase high quality herbs and supplements to receive full benefits. We purchase many of our own herbs and supplements from Starwest Botanicals.
Neem
Olive Leaf Extract
Aloe vera
Astragalus membranaceus
Echinacea purpurea
Gotu Kola
Licorice Root
Marshmallow
Oregon Grape
Sage
St. John’s Wort
Yarrow
Curcumin/Tumeric
Ginger
Chicory
Cinnamon
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Goldenseal
Dandelion
Chlorophyll
Raw honey
Unrefined, virgin coconut oil
Green Tea
Calcium Montmorillonite Clay
Colloidal Silver
Fresh or high quality dehydrated foods noted for their anti-viral properties include:
Seaweed & Algae
Krill
Berries
Citrus fruit
Apples
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Spinach
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Tomatoes
Yogurt with active cultures
Natural Distemper Treatments Recommended by Homeopathic Veterinarians
Homeopathic treatments focus on stages and symptoms of Canine Distemper, including:
- Homeopathic Natrum muriaticum 30C – Early, sneezing stage.
- Homeopathic Pulsatilla 30C – Conjunctivitis stage.
- Homeopathic Hydrastis canadensis 6C – Advanced stage Distemper.
- Homeopathic Arsenicum album 30C – Advanced stage Distemper.
- Homeopathic Psorinum 30C – Recovery stage.
Note of Caution: It is very important that a Veterinarian be involved with the treatment of Canine Distemper Virus. Please consult your veterinarian before making changes in your pet’s diet (including the use of herbal supplements) to avoid drug interactions or issues with existing conditions.
??? Do you have any experience with Canine Distemper Virus? Please share your tips in the comments below.
Sources:
Otávio Valério Carvalho et al. Immunopathogenic and Neurological Mechanisms of Canine Distemper Virus. 2012.
Pitcairn, Richard H. Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
Messonnier, Shawn DVM. Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements
Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Nutritional Healing
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Thanks for the great advice. I find it unnerving that vaccinations won’t necessarily protect animals but there isn’t much guaranteed in life.
pets don’t have to die from distemper anymore. precautions can be taken to avoid it and vaccinations are absolutely necessary. pet shelters and kennels sometimes have outbreaks and be careful at dog parks.
For goodness sake don’t mess around with natural cures if your dog or cat has distemper!!!!! Get them to the vet!!!
Great post! We lost all but one puppy to distemper when I first started breeding Shepherds. Since then I’ve learned a lot about preventing it and I share the info whenever someone will listen.
It saddens me to think my Nora could have been saved if I found this article 11 years ago. 🙁
You can’t go wrong with antiviral food because there are tons of viruses out there to protect our pets from. A healthy diet is a no brainer!
My dogs have had their shots but I heard they can still pick up certain types of distemper. I guess it’s like the flu shot that only covers some strains but not others.
When I was little we had a dog that was put down because she had distemper and the messes. The vet said we couldn’t get another dog for at least 2 years because it would stay in the ground outside. We thought the cats would get it but they didn’t. It was one of those horrible childhood experiences you can never forgt. Thanks for the tips, maybe now my kids won’t have to go through the same thing.