Los Angeles, CA —  Yesterday, the Department of Animal Care and Control for the County of Los Angeles issued a canine health advisory alerting the public that distemper had been confirmed in the Lancaster community. Distemper is highly contagious and deadly. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) urges the public to vaccinate their pets and be vigilant for the signs of distemper.

Vaccination protects dogs from the awful effects of distemper. Distemper attacks the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal system. Fifty percent of dogs exposed to distemper do not recover. Those that do survive typically have permanent nerve damage. Distemper is an airborne virus that can also be spread through shared water and food bowls and wildlife.

While the Lancaster Animal Care Center is the only shelter in Los Angeles County reporting distemper at the time, spcaLA recommends the following to pet companions to keep their dogs safe:

• • Vaccinate your pets and stay up-to-date on their vaccination schedule.
  • Don’t take your dog public areas if they are not fully vaccinated.
  • Keep your dog away from wildlife.
  • Do not use community (dog park) water or food bowls. Do not leave your dog’s bowls outside where they may be used by wildlife.
  • Don’t allow your dog to interact with dogs you don’t know and are unsure of their health or vaccination status.

If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately: fever, coughing, lethargy, drooling, no appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, runny eyes and nose, lack of coordination, head tilt, and convulsions.