Herpesvirus infection in dogs

Canine herpes virus causes a viral disease that affects the reproductive organs of adult dogs. Although herpes virus infection usually causes no symptoms in adult dogs, it is a leading cause of death in newborn puppies. Only one puppy in a litter may be infected, and he or she may die suddenly with little or no warning signs, or all puppies in a litter may die within 24 hours. If infection occurs when a puppy is older than 3 weeks, the disease is usually less severe. Older puppies have a much better chance of survival, but persistent herpesvirus infection can cause long-term complications.

How is herpesvirus infection transmitted in dogs?

Canine herpes virus lives in the reproductive and respiratory systems of female and male dogs. In adult dogs, infection is spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact, including sneezing, coughing, sniffing, licking, and sexual contact between infected and uninfected dogs. Puppies are usually infected in the birth canal or by contact with their mother's nasal or oral secretions shortly after birth. Puppies can also transmit the virus to each other. If one puppy in a litter is infected with canine herpes virus, it does not mean that all are infected.

What are the symptoms of herpesvirus infection in adult dogs?

• Often there are no symptoms at all
• Sometimes raised ulcers can be seen on the genitals
• Miscarriages
• Stillbirth
• Cough

What are the symptoms of herpesvirus infection in puppies?

• Sudden death of a newborn puppy
• Weakness, apathy, crying
• Weak sucking reflex or loss of appetite
• Painful abdomen, bleeding into the abdominal cavity
• Liquid yellow/green stool
• Breathing problems, nasal discharge
• Bleeding, such as nosebleeds and small bruises
• Older puppies may develop nervous system problems, including blindness and seizures.

Can I get herpes from my dog?

No. Humans cannot become infected with canine herpes.

How is herpesvirus infection diagnosed in dogs?

If a puppy is stillborn or dies shortly after birth, a necroscopy may be performed to determine the cause of death. There are many potential causes of puppy death, and you may want to know if there is a risk to other puppies in the litter and what care they may need. Please call your veterinarian for instructions on arranging a necroscopy.

In adult dogs, testing for canine herpes virus is usually done before breeding or if the dog's medical history suggests problems with herpes virus infection. To try to confirm recent exposure to the virus, your veterinarian may test a blood sample from your dog.

How is herpesvirus infection treated in dogs?

If you suspect that your newborn puppies are not doing well or are “wasting away,” it is critical to contact your veterinarian. If a herpesvirus infection is confirmed, treatment may begin with an antiviral medication and supportive care. You should also keep the puppy warm because the virus requires a cool temperature to survive. Unfortunately, puppies with herpesvirus infections often die very quickly, despite good treatment.

How can you prevent the development of herpes virus infection?

Canine herpes virus is a common virus that many adult dogs encounter. The best way to control the disease in young puppies is to prevent their mother from coming into contact with other dogs and to prevent the puppies from coming into contact with adult dogs. It is important to isolate the pregnant mother from other dogs during the periods of greatest risk - late in pregnancy and the first three weeks after birth. A vaccine against canine herpes virus has been developed but has not yet been approved for use.

What should I do if I think my dog has herpes?

If you think your dog or puppies may have canine herpes, seek veterinary care immediately.

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