What Is Canine Herpes? Canine herpes virus (CHV), also known as “fading puppy syndrome,” is a viral infection that affects the reproductive organs of adult dogs. While adult dogs infected with CHV usually do not show any symptoms, the infection is the leading cause of death in newborn puppies.Canine herpes virus lives in the reproductive and respiratory tracts of male and female dogs.
How Is Canine Herpes Treated?
Anytime newborn puppies are observed to be unwell or “fading,” it is crucial that you contact the vet. If CHV is confirmed, treatment can begin with antiviral medication and supportive care. It is also important to keep puppies warm, as the virus requires a low temperature to survive. Unfortunately, death often occurs rapidly in CHV-infected puppies despite good care.
How Can Canine Herpes Be Prevented?
CHV is a common virus that many adult dogs come into contact with. The best way to combat this disease in young puppies is through preventing exposure of the bred mother dog to other adult dogs and the exposure of young puppies to adult dogs. It is important to isolate a pregnant female from other dogs during the high-risk period—both late in her pregnancy and during the first three weeks after birth.
From: ASPCA