Community Corner
Canine Distemper Deadly to Dogs
Although Pinellas County has worked hard to get rid of canine distemper, the threat still exists.
Canine distemper, a potentially fatal disease for dogs, has had cases in Pinellas county.
Though the county has had implemented preventive measures, wild animals like raccoons and coyotes can carry the disease and pass it on to your pets.
Distemper starts out looking like a cold virus, but can quickly escalate into pneumonia and result in death.
While distemper can be passed on to dogs and ferrets, cats and humans are immune to the disease.
Pinellas County Animal Services recommends that pet owners keep vaccinations up to date and keep their dogs away from wild or unvaccinated animals.
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