Canine distemper is a disease affecting animals in the families Canidae, Mustelidae, Mephitidae, Procyonidae, and possibly Felidae (though not domestic cats). Dogs from four months to four years old are particulary susceptible. It prevails most in spring and autumn. The disease generally manifests itself by a dullness of the eye, jaundice (yellowing of eyes), husky cough, shivering, loss of appetite and energy, and occasional fits. While afflicted with canine distemper, dogs should be allowed to run on grass and their diet should be spare.
There exist a number of vaccines against canine distemper for dogs and domestic ferrets, which in many jurisdictions are mandatory for pets. The type of vaccine should be approved for the type of animal being inoculated, or else the animal could actually contract the disease from the vaccine. Animals should be kept in incubation if infected.
