El Paso Animal Services says to vaccinate your dog for distemper if they aren’t already

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- If you're a pet owner living in El Paso you may have been concerned over the deadly distemper outbreak in dogs at El Paso Animal Services. That's why ABC-7 spoke with them about what they're doing to contain the disease and how you can keep your animal safe.

Animal Services has only been taking emergency cases since the beginning of the outbreak to prevent further spread of the disease. However, that does not mean your dog is immune if they are not vaccinated.

"El Paso's lived with distemper for years and years and years. But, saying that, we don't have to continue to live with it," said El Paso Animal Services Veterinarian Dr. Tony Chacon. "The owners should take from this is that yes, it's in the region, but if you vaccinate your pets, then you're protected."

Dr. Chacon says animals who are not vaccinated for distemper should not roam around and should instead be isolated.

"If your dog is not vaccinated, you shouldn't be about, you shouldn't be walking that dog anywhere. You should go to your vet, get them fully protected, a vaccination course. If it's an adult dog, it's two vaccinations. And then after that, you know, you can do what you'd like," said Dr. Chacon.

While Animal Services is not currently offering vaccinations due to its isolation policy, they say you can get your dog vaccinated for distemper