FAQ's about CHV

FAQ's about CHV

Can I catch herpes from my dog?

• No, Canine Herpes Virus can only be transmitted between wild and domestic dogs.  People cannot be infected by dogs.

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

• Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can my dog be cured from the infection with CHV?

• Once infected a dog never completely clears the virus but they can lead a normal life.  Read CHV prevention and treatment brochure for more information.

My dog is an adult, can it still become infected with CHV?

• Yes, dogs can become infected at any age.

How would my dog become infected?

There are three primary ways that a dog can become infected with Canine Herpes Virus.  First, if a dog has direct contact with an infected dog and they can contract the virus.  This can include physical contact with blood or bodily fluids.  Also, the virus can live on surfaces or carried from one animal to another on a person.  Next, puppies can receive the virus from their mother while in utero through the placenta. Infections of puppies from the mother can occur before, during or after birth.   This can occur through the birth canal, from other infected littermates and from nasal secretions.  Finally, adult dogs can transmit the virus as a genital infection.  This is important if you plan on breeding your animal.

What clinical signs would I see in my breeding animal?

• Abortions of the litter
• Stillborn puppies or weak newborns

What clinical signs would I see if my puppies are infected at less than 3 weeks of age?

• Constant crying
• Breathing distress
• Nasal discharge
• Small red and purple spots on the body
• Weakness, lethargy
• Lack of suckling

Are there any other possible signs that I could look for?

• Conjunctivitis
• Disease of the eye
• Respiratory distress
• Central Nervous System signs

This dangerous virus can infect young puppies before, during or after birth.

What is the outcome if my dog is infected?

If your dog is older than 3 weeks they may have a latent infection develop.  Although they may not display clinical signs all the time it may reappear with a stressful event or pregnancy.  Although females will abort their litter that she was carrying during infection she may be able to carry litters in the future.  Unfortunately, puppies less than 1 week of age do not survive.  Death can occur very suddenly.    From 1 to 3 weeks the chances of survival increase.  Older puppies can also develop a latent infection.

How is my dog diagnosed?

If you suspect Canine Herpes Virus contact your veterinarian.  Many of the symptoms that are seen with CHV are also seen with other diseases and it is important to differentiate in order to appropriately treat your animals.

PCR is the test used by most veterinarians to diagnose CHV.  This test is very sensitive to the virus.  Your veterinarian can check your dog with a mouth or vaginal swab for a diagnosis.  If you have seen an abortion or stillborn fetus it is important for your veterinarian to perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death.  Appropriate diagnosis helps to protect littermates and any other dogs that are in contact with your animal.