NRH dog owners, please make sure your four-legged family members are current on their shots, including distemper. North Texas cities, including NRH, have recently seen an increase in reports of sick raccoons with symptoms that are consistent with distemper. Though it cannot be spread to humans, distemper is easily spread from raccoons to dogs through the environment and via airborne exposure. Canines that are unvaccinated are most at risk for catching the distemper virus, which is often fatal.
Avoid attracting raccoons into your yard by ensuring that trash bags and cans are closed and by removing pet food and water bowls from outside areas. When on walks with dogs, keep an eye out for wildlife and prevent your dog from using community bowls that could be contaminated. While it isn’t abnormal to see wildlife active during the day, if the animal appears ill or disoriented, please report it. North Richland Hills Animal Services can be reached at 817-427-6570.