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Can vaccinated dog pass distemper to unvaccinated dogs after contact?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Can a vaccinated dog whom came into close contact with a puppy with distemper can he carry the distemper virus and pass it to unvaccinated dogs?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dana Koch, VMD, MLAS

Veterinarian

Published on December 8th, 2014

Vaccinated animals are at a very low risk of acquiring distemper virus and passing it on to other dogs. This is because the virus cannot live without fresh secretions; it is inactivated in minutes outside the dog's body. The infected dog typically infects other dogs via coughing infected respiratory secretions though the virus is shed in most other body secretions, including urine. A dog with distemper, even if recovered from the virus can shed the infection for up to 2-3 months so I would restrict any future contact and monitor for any abnormal clinical signs, including coughing or nasal discharge.

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15Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Although the virus does not last long on its own in the environment, it can be carried on feet, hands or fur and could conceivably infect an unvaccinated dog. An infected dog should be isolated and treated if possible. The environment can be disinfected using commonly used disinfectants.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 27th, 2018

    Distemper is very nasty and sometimes dogs can get it even though they were vaccinated, if the immune system did not respond properly. The fact that they are all showing signs of distemper is very strange if they were all vaccinated. Fully vaccinated= at least three courses of vaccines as a puppy and then boosters after one year. then every three years. If you vaccinated them yourself, there is a chance that the vaccine, if bought from a store and/or if it got warm, lost its effectivity. You will need to take all your dogs to your veterinarian for an exam and a blood test that verifies that this is indeed distemper.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 18th, 2018

    If he is properly vaccinated against the distemper virus then the chance of him getting the disease is extremely low. The efficacy of the vaccine is about 99% so dogs that are properly vaccinated do not typically get the disease.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 18th, 2018

    I'm sorry your mother's dog may have distemper! If your dogs are fully vaccinated against distemper, then there is no worries that they will get it. Distemper is most commonly spread through airborne exposure (coughing and sneezing), as well as direct contact with the infected dog. It can also be transmitted by shared food and water bowls and equipment. As long as your dogs have no contact with your mother's dog, you do not share bowels, blankets, and toys, and you practice good hygiene after seeing your mother's dog, your dogs should be fine. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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