Florida Pet Photographer – Photohound Dog Photography

SPCA of Central Florida is offering free distemper vaccinations to the general public at the Orlando shelter.

Saturday, August 1 – Wednesday, August 5

8am – 10am (no appointment necessary)

2727 Conroy Road, Orlando, 32839 (across from Mall at Millennia)

As you may have heard on the news, the SPCA of Central FL (Conroy location) had to make a very tough decision last weekend when an outbreak of distemper swept through the shelter.  Very sadly, all dogs residing at the shelter were euthanized in order to prevent further contamination.  I get verklmept every time I even think about it.  It’s a horrible, horrible situation and the Conroy location is not the only one that’s dealt with this is the past months (Marion County, Lake County, as well as Orange County Animal Services have found themselves in this horrendous situation.)

In the hopes of preventing outbreaks and protecting all of Central Florida’s beloved animals (whether they currently have homes or not) the SPCA of Central Florida has been diligently and efficiently making their effort to inform the public and explain the situation.  This is why they are great, they are all over it.  They have beloved shelter pets, their own pets and many supporters and they wasted no time in getting the word out.  Below, are some facts about distemper from Senior Vice President of Resource Development at the SPCA of Central FL, Donna Lendvay.

• Canine Distemper is caused by a virus related to the virus that causes measles in humans.  It affects dogs, ferrets and wildlife.  However it does not infect humans or domestic cats.
• The distemper virus is VERY contagious. It is passed from dog to dog through close contact from secretions such as urine, feces, saliva, eyes and as an airborne pathogen.
• SYMPTOMS:  Yellowish-green or dark green discharge from the eyes and nose, often accompanied by sneezing and general lethargy. In the beginning stages, distemper mimics kennel cough. Other symptoms include anorexia, fever, discharge from the nose and eyes, pneumonia, vomiting and diarrhea.
• This disease is most commonly seen in puppies three to six months old and in young un-vaccinated dogs. Puppies can be infected in the womb when the virus crosses the placental barrier
• This is probably not the best time to be visiting dog parks. Yes, dogs are social and that is precisely the problem right now. However, this doesn’t mean your dog (or you) can get lazy, either. Walks – controlled on a leash – should continue as part of the daily routine.
• The best way to protect your pet from distempter?  VACCINATE, VACCINATE, VACCINATE!  When a widespread outbreak occurs…it would be wise to annually vaccinate even those dogs that have received a three year vaccine.

To prevent the public from inadvertently adopting a dog that is incubating this disease, the SPCA of Central Florida temporarily closed the Orlando shelter.  However, the veterinary clinics will remain open.  Cat adoptions at the Orlando shelter will reopen on Friday, July 31.  They will start receiving dogs again on August 1st and dog adoptions will reopen August 9th.

The Seminole shelter has not been affected by this outbreak. Therefore, receiving and adoptions at the Seminole shelter remain open Monday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday noon – 4 pm.

My prayers and condolences go to all those pups that paid the ultimate price for simply being unwanted.  It is utterly heartbreaking.  And my thanks to the SPCA of Central Florida for their immediate response in educating and informing all of their supporters and the general public.