Canine Herpes Infections: A 2025 Veterinary Guide to Puppy Protection and Litter Loss 🐶🦠

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Herpesvirus in dogs rarely causes illness in adults—but in puppies under three weeks, it can be devastating. Entire litters may be lost suddenly. Understanding this virus is critical for breeders and new puppy owners alike. Let’s explore the symptoms, transmission, testing, and prevention strategies for canine herpes in 2025. 🐾🍼

🦠 What Is Canine Herpesvirus (CHV)?

Canine herpesvirus is a common reproductive virus that hides in the body after infection, reactivating with stress. It's different from human herpes but behaves similarly—it causes sporadic outbreaks and persists for life. Most dogs show no symptoms, but the virus is extremely dangerous to fetuses and newborns. 🧬

📉 Why CHV Causes Litter Loss

• 🧬 Pregnant females newly infected may resorb embryos, miscarry, or birth stillborn pups
• 🍼 Puppies infected before 3 weeks of age often die within 48 hours
• 🥶 CHV thrives in cooler temperatures (~95°F/35°C) which is normal for newborn pups

Critical Isolation Timeline:

Last 3 weeks of pregnancy → First 3 weeks after birth: Isolate dam and pups from all other dogs.

🧪 Symptoms in Puppies

• 🔈 High-pitched crying or whimpering
• 📈 Fever, bloated abdomen
• ❄️ Cold to the touch
• 😴 Weakness or failure to nurse
• 🩸 Petechiae (pinpoint red dots) due to low platelets

Older puppies (>3 weeks) may develop a kennel cough–like respiratory infection instead of fatal disease.

🧫 Diagnosing Canine Herpesvirus

• 🧬 Necropsy (post-mortem exam) is most reliable after sudden litter death
• 🧪 Tissue samples often reveal inclusion bodies in the kidneys or liver
• 🔬 PCR testing (for CHV DNA) is becoming the gold standard

If a puppy dies unexpectedly, refrigerate the body and placenta and call your vet right away. ❗

🤒 Herpes in Adult Dogs

Most adult dogs show no symptoms. Occasionally:

• 😷 Mild respiratory signs (sneezing, runny eyes)
• 😣 Conjunctivitis
• 🐕 Infertility or low sperm counts in breeding males

🧬 Can My Dog Be Tested for Herpes?

• 🧪 Antibody blood test: Detects past infection, but may miss early cases
• 🔄 Antibody levels vary over time, so it’s not a reliable screening method
• 🛡️ Best practice: Assume potential exposure and isolate dam & litter accordingly

💉 Canine Herpes Treatment & Emergency Care

• 🍼 Move orphaned pups to a seropositive foster dam with antibodies
• 💉 Inject serum from a recovered dam into exposed puppies
• 🔥 Warm the litter—virus replicates poorly above 99°F
• 💊 Antivirals (e.g. Acyclovir) may help, but are rarely effective in neonates

🛡️ Preventing Herpes in Future Litters

• 📦 Isolate pregnant bitches the last 3 weeks pre-whelp and first 3 weeks post-birth
• 🌡️ Keep nest box warm (above 99°F/37°C)
• 💉 Ensure colostrum intake in first 24 hours for antibody protection
• 🚫 No visitors during early puppy life—not even other pets

In Europe, a vaccine is available for CHV. It’s not yet available in the U.S. 🇪🇺❌

📱 Ask A Vet: Breeder & Puppy Support

• 🩺 Help after sudden puppy death
• 🧪 CHV testing advice
• 📆 Pregnancy monitoring and isolation timelines
• 💉 Advice on colostrum, feeding, and environmental control

Ask A Vet is available 24/7 for breeders and puppy owners. Visit AskAVet.com or download the app. 📲🐶

✅ Summary: Canine Herpesvirus (CHV)

• 🧬 Most adult dogs have no signs
• 🍼 Fatal to puppies under 3 weeks—causes rapid death
• 📦 Isolate dam & pups for 3 weeks before/after birth
• 🧪 Necropsy or PCR needed to confirm diagnosis
• 💉 No U.S. vaccine—prevention is based on isolation and warmth

Understanding and planning for CHV can save entire litters. Be proactive and protect your puppies from this invisible threat. 🐶🛡️

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc