Saving Cricket
Surviving Distemper

 

 

When Cricket and two other puppies arrived at SPCA Tampa Bay our staff was 

disappointed to find that they tested positive for a virus called Distemper. Distemper is a dangerous and highly contagious virus that we do not always have the resources  to treat. After reaching out to our colleagues at  University of Florida's Veterinary College,
we are happy to announce that we have been able to successfully treat Cricket and her two friends, giving them a second chance at a full and happy life!

 

It's time for Cricket and her friends to go to their new forever home. We don't want their past with Distemper to hurt their future.

 

Distemper is not as scary as you may think. Help us get Cricket adopted by dispelling some of these common myths.


Actually, only 50% of dogs that contract Distemper may die from it. While that still makes it a very dangerous disease, it is commonly treated in private veterinary practice with a good rate of success.


Dogs that have contracted Distemper only continue to carry the disease for 2-12 weeks after treatment begins. Distemper can only survive in an indoor environment for 1-3 days. Approximately 12 weeks after treatment the dog is fully recovered and no risk to any other animal.


The only animals at risk of contracting Distemper are dogs, ferrets, and wildlife. The virus cannot infect humans or felines. While dogs may be at risk, Distemper is a core vaccine in all canines and less than 1% of dogs do not respond to the vaccine. The risk of a fully vaccinated dog contracting distemper is negligibly low.
Ways That You Can Help
Adopt Cricket, Odin, or Bert! 

Cricket, Odin, and Bert are currently all in foster care. We are taking appointments to meet them now in the hopes that we will already have happy adopters lined up as soon as they are ready to go!

Please contact Sharon Sharp at [email protected] if you would like to make an appointment to meet Cricket, Odin, or Bert. SPCA Tampa Bay will continue to cover the cost of tests and antibiotics for the duration of the puppies treatment.

We're also sending them home with a free crate to help facilitate their transition into their new family! 

Come Meet Our Puppies!
Meet Cricket, Odin & Bert

Can't adopt? Help Cover Cricket's Cost Of Care

In this instance we had the help of our friends at University of Florida's Veterinary College, but we are not always able to treat as virulent a virus as Distemper. Help us cover the cost of care for other dogs like Cricket.

Donate $3 to buy 1 glove and gown set to help prevent the spread of diseases

Donate $20 to cover the cost of 1 week of care for Cricket

Donate $50 to cover one of Cricket's weekly Distemper tests

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