Animal News

Dallas-area animal experts warn of a rise in contagious virus in raccoons

Poor raccoons are getting sick.

Photo by Katie Oxford

Animal care experts around Dallas-Fort Worth are seeing an increase in distemper, and recommend that pet owners be vigilant.

According to a release, Carrollton Animal Services and The North Texas Wildlife Center have recently seen an increase in reports of sick and diseased raccoons with symptoms consistent with distemper across North Texas, including Carrollton.

Canine distemper is a virus with a high mortality rate that affects the respiratory and nervous systems of dogs, ferrets, and raccoons.

Distemper can't be spread to humans, but it's easily spread from raccoons to dogs through the environment and via airborne exposure, such as sneezing and coughing.

Symptoms of distemper in raccoons include being active in daylight hours and acting friendly or passive before developing a fever, convulsions, and seizures. Infected raccoons are often seen wandering around listlessly or curled up quietly in residential areas. They tend to be weak, lethargic, and appear to have lost fear of humans.

There is no cure for distemper.

In Carrollton, CAS notes that the majority of local reports are occurring in the north and west portions of the city.

Some tips:

Avoid attracting raccoons by ensuring trash bags and bins are closed, and by removing pet food and water bowls from outside areas.

When taking dogs for a walk, keep them on a tight leash and avoid wildlife. Prevent pets from using community food or water bowls that could be contaminated.

Get your dog vaccinated. While there is no cure, it can be prevented through the distemper/parvovirus vaccine. Dogs that are unvaccinated are most at risk for catching the distemper virus. Any veterinarian can administer distemper vaccinations.

CAS will host two low-cost vaccination events at the Carrollton Animal Services & Adoption Center, 2247 Sandy Lake Rd. in February and March:

Sunday February 18: There will be a low-cost drive-through vaccination clinic in partnership with Operation Kindness.
Saturday, March 16: CAS will hold a $5 rabies vaccination event in partnership with Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, where distemper vaccinations will also be offered.

While it isn’t abnormal to see wildlife active during the day, if the animal appears ill or disoriented, report it to animal services.

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Animal News

Dallas animal shelter invites residents to host a pet during holiday

DAS

Husky at Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to help bring pets “Home for the Holidays” by adopting or fostering during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year.

DAS has achieved strong positive outcomes this quarter, including adoptions, foster-to-adopt placements, and underage foster placements, with 1,377 in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now working toward a December goal of 1,400 positive outcomes, with 588 completed so far this month.

“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”

This season, adopters will also have the chance to participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, fully funded and supported through donations from generous community supporters. For more information about this initiative, visit friendsofdas.org and watch out for announcements on social media.

Holiday staycations
Residents who may not be ready to adopt can still support DAS pets by participating in Silent Night Holiday Staycations, a short-term foster opportunity that gives dogs a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday period.

Pickup dates are scheduled for December 20-21, with drop-off options on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting a foster match, and contact with pets outside the home should be limited. Questions may be directed to DASFtA@dallas.gov.

“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”

DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share adoptable pets to help meet December’s lifesaving goals.
“Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” said Director Paul Ramon.

For more information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://bedallas90.org/ or stop by the DAS Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.

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