What is Distemper in Dogs? How can Ayurveda help?

ABSTRACT

Dogs are one of the most loving and loyal animal species. As much as they are loved, they need to be equally cared for as well. Regular vaccinations for multiple disorders are a must for dogs’ overall health. ‘D’ in the vaccine chart stands for the distemper disease in dogs. This disease is transferred to dogs via coughing and sneezing. This is highly contagious and involves multiple organ systems. In this article, let us have a look at the condition of distemper in dogs and how Ayurveda can help with it.

INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS DISTEMPER IN DOGS?

Distemper in dogs is a grave condition that arises due to a viral attack that affects the gastrointestinal, neurological and respiratory system of the organism. The virus that causes distemper is usually found in wildlife. Dogs and puppies are infected by the airborne passage the most. The virus is called as paramyxovirus causes distemper in dogs. It attacks multiple systems in the body which is why it becomes difficult to treat distemper in dogs.

CAUSES

Distemper in dogs is caused by paramyxovirus and is often transmitted via following means

• Through direct contact
• Through air borne exposure
• Through placenta

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms in case of distemper in dogs occur in two stages. Symptoms in dog distemper occur in two stages

STAGE 1:

This is the initial stage where symptoms begin to come and are not very severe.

• Fever
• Nasal Discharge
• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Coughing
• Diarrhea

STAGE 2:

This is the more severe stage which involves major systemic abnormalities in the dogs such as

• Partial paralysis
• Seizures
• Nystagmus
• Muscle twitching
• Convulsions

TREATMENT

The major treatment aspect for distemper in dogs includes Vaccinations that can timely prevent the issue. Other supportive treatments for managing the symptoms include

• Gastrointestinal support for severe diarrhea and vomiting.
• Respiratory support for severe pneumonia
• Neurological support for seizures

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON DISTEMPER IN DOGS

In ancient times, when people lived amidst nature, animals and plants became important parts of their lives. Hence, Ayurveda which originated back then had a unique concept which includes treatments for plants and animals. Ayurveda science, 5000 years ago was divided into three major parts

• Ayurveda (Ayurveda for human beings)
• Pashu Ayurveda (Ayurveda for animals)
• Vriksh Ayurveda (Ayurveda for plants)

Ayurveda mentions this unique concept called ‘Pashu Ayurveda’. Ancient Ayurveda textbooks have various herbs and treatment methods mentioned for animals. Ayurveda veterinary medicine especially for dogs has shown great results and has prevented the side effects of modern medications. Herbs like ashwagandha, Bhrami, Amla and gokshura help majorly in dealing with issues like distemper in dogs. These herbs are found to increase the overall immunity of the animals as well and hence benefit a lot in diseases in dogs.

AYURVEDA HERBS THAT HELP IN DISTEMPER IN DOGS

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Withania somnifera has withanolides presenting them which work as natural adaptogens.This herb works as a natural steroid and helps provide strength, stamina and nourishment to the body and nervous system. It has antioxidant properties and has stress relieving properties which is why it is beneficial in neurological disorders.

2. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Bhrami (Bacopa monnieri) in ayurveda is grouped under the category of medhya rasayana which means herbs that are good for the brain. The active compound bacosides present in this herb works as a brain tonic and helps in nourishment of the brain cells. It has anti anxiety properties and treats neuroinflammation which makes it a choice for neurological disorders such as allodynia.

3. Vacha (Acorus calamus)

This Herb is a nerve tonic that helps increase memory span, fights anxiety and relaxes the mind. Along with the nerve supporting properties, Vacha (Acorus calamus) also helps in digesting the Ama or toxins that are produced in the body as a result of faulty diet and lifestyle. It helps balance out the vitiated vata and kapha dosha in the body.

4. Amla (Embilica officinalis)

Amla or Indian gooseberry has antioxidants and helps prevent the body from the attack of free radicals. It is a great source of vitamin C and a huge immune booster. It has a combination of five tastes in Ayurveda and helps prevent bacterial and viral infections. It has cool potency and a sweet post digestive effect which helps in dealing with inflammation in tonsillitis.

5. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is used to remove kidney stones in ayurveda. It is a natural diuretic and works amazingly well on the Genito – urinary system. It not only provides strength to the urinary system but also regenerates them and prevents dialysis in the longer run. This has madhur rasa and Vipaka along with cold potency which is why it has anti-inflammatory properties.

HERBAL FORMULATIONS FOR DISTEMPER IN DOGS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda, a GMP certified company, prepares pure ayurveda formulations which are safer alternatives to allopathic medications. Planet Ayurveda prepares 100% pure, preservative free products. All the ingredients in the products are aimed at providing healthy intestines and balance of the tridoshas. All the products are cruelty free, made with pure herbs under the strict supervision of Ayurveda doctors. These herbs are safe to use and preservative free and have no side effects.

Product List

1. Giloy Ghanvati
2. Neuroplan Syrup
3. Energoplan Syrup
4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Product Description

1. GILOY GHANVATI

It is a tablet preparation made using Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a wonder herb of Ayurveda that helps in increasing the immunity and treating conditions like fever. It is also called ‘Amrit’ in Ayurveda literal translation of the word nectar. It balances the vitiated dosha and balances out all the metabolic processes of the body. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is one of the most used ayurveda herbs for its immune- boosting properties. Along With immunity, it also has cooling and pitta balancing properties which help relieve skin irritation, inflammation and promote healthy skin. It has sweet Vipaka (post digestion taste) and helps in relieving itching and redness.

DOSAGE: 2 tabs twice daily.

2. NEUROPLAN SYRUP

Neuroplan Syrup by Planet Ayurveda is a 100% natural syrup formulation that has various Ayurveda herbs such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pulicalirus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Pippali (Piper Longum) etc. This formulation acts on neurological disorders and helps in improving the overall brain functioning.

DOSAGE: 2 tbsp twice daily.

3. ENERGOPLAN SYRUP

Energoplan Syrup by planet ayurveda is a syrup formulation that has the following herbs such as Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Amalaki (Embilica officinalis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) among many other ayurveda herbs. All these herbs help balance out the vitiated Doshas and help in the detoxification and overall energy levels of the body.

DOSAGE- 1 tbsp twice daily.

4. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

Vrihat Vatchintamani ras is a classical ayurveda preparation in tablet form manufactured by Planet Ayurveda. This formulation contains Swarna bhasma, Praval bhasma, Loha bhasma, Mukta bhasam and Abhrak bhasma. It maintains healthy functioning of the brain and maintains a healthy nervous system. This formulation mainly pacifies the Vata and Pitta disorders.

DOSAGE: 1 crushed tablet once daily

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

Distemper in dogs was considered a death sentence a few decades back. But ever since the increase in modern medical vaccinations and Ayurveda veterinary medicines came into forefront, this risk has reduced a lot. Timely vaccinations along with the right herbs and ayurveda treatments help a lot in treating a serious disease like distemper in dogs. It is very important to provide care to the animals around us so that the environment and the habitat remain healthy.