Weirdly behaved racoon and baby sheepie!?
A few weeks ago there was a news report that said racoons in our area are becoming infected with canine distemper and that if you see them out in daylight, not attempting to hide or run away this is a sign of distemper; that it is easy transmitted to unvaccinated dogs. Leonard has had his first set of puppy shots but I am under the impression that he is still highly susceptible to things like parvo and distemper. If this racoon has been in our backyard (it isn't right now but it may have been earlier) could Leonard get distemper? I googled it and some sites say it is passed through waste and saliva and others say through bites from infected animals and ones said water bowls etc. I don't want to let little Leonard outside just in case there is a chance he could get something. My husband insists I am over reacting and I made the classic google the worst case scenario mistake. Leonard will need to go out eventually but I would rather put down paper inside then put him at risk. Does anybody have any experience with wildlife and doggy viruses? |
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| Unless it's injured, that is a sick raccoon. I would fear distemper or rabies. I would NOT let my dog out, let alone a baby puppy. Yes, it is able to be passed along, unfortunately you are correct.  Hoping 1 vaccination has given sufficient immunity. PS - they aren't really temporary shots. They are real. A series is given because the exact amount of maternal antibodies vs the vaccination is always a matter of timing. By staggering several doses, we just are covering all the bases, so to speak. |
| Thanks for the info, thats what I figured. He has a check up at the vet tomorrow, I will talk to them and see what I can do to make the yard 'safe' again after the racoon is gone. My husband figures the racoon was never in our yard because we have an 8 foot fence but racoons are climbers. Also our older dog would have tipped us off. I couldn't sleep at night if I thought for a second I had put either of my dogs at risk so I have indoor pups for now. Baby puppy is safe inside, his only threat is our cat... who is currently stalking him. I am just hoping the racoon hasn't been hanging around for long because we've been outside lots. Again, will discuss with vet tomorrow and watch Leonard very closely. I am also hoping his first shot gave him some immunity. Is it wrong that I feel sorry for the poor racoon? I am wondering if distemper stays in the soil as long as parvo does. Sure hope not! |
| Assume the worst and take steps to protect your puppy... contact your vet tomorrow morning for guidance on how best to do this. Once exposed, it's not something you can undo so err on the side of caution and over protect. Texas OES Rescue: Shamus (exposed to distemper) http://www.texasoesrescue.org/NewsletterSpring2011.pdf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0bdzj-n ... re=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7czSZ7KiqGI |
| Got so freaked out by Shamus' story that I called a friend's vet who is open late and graciously gave me some interesting information that anybody who keeps a bowl of water outside for their dogs should know: -Distemper is primarily spread through mucous or saliva -As long as I keep the puppy on a leash and away from the racoon he will be fine, if puppy runs up to the racoon and tries to play... well that would be bad. -Any water bowls that were outside should be bleached out before the dogs drink from them againas these would be the only places other than direct contact with the racoon that could be a source of exposure. We have a water bowl outside for the dogs but I have luckily not been filling it lately and instead bringing out fresh ice water in a frozen bowl every time we are outside. Either way, I sprayed down the paths with bleach and puppy will be going in a "clean" area until I talk with the conservation people. |
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