Treatment Protocol — CHV (Canine Herpes Virus)

What is Canine Herpes Virus (CHV)?

Canine Herpes Virus (CHV-1) is a common viral infection in dogs that can be devastating for neonatal puppies. Adult dogs often carry CHV without symptoms, but in puppies under 3 weeks of age, CHV can cause rapid death ("fading puppy syndrome"). Puppies that survive may have long-term neurological effects.

Prevention

• •Keep whelping environment warm — CHV replicates at lower temperatures; maintaining puppy body temp above 99°F is critical
• •Use a Puppy Safe® incubator to maintain consistent warmth and humidity
• •Minimize stress on the dam during late pregnancy and early lactation
• •Isolate new dogs before introducing to your breeding program
• •Ask your vet about CHV vaccination options (where available)

Neonatal Puppy Warning Signs

• ⚠Crying constantly / cannot settle
• ⚠Refusing to nurse or weak suck reflex
• ⚠Yellow-green diarrhea
• ⚠Nasal discharge
• ⚠Rapid weight loss
• ⚠Paddling movements

Protocol Notes (Crystal's Approach)

When CHV is suspected in a litter, Crystal's protocol involves:

1. 1Immediately move all neonatal puppies to the Puppy Safe® incubator and elevate temperature
2. 2Support nursing — supplement with puppy milk replacer if dam is compromised
3. 3Contact your veterinarian for antiviral guidance
4. 4Provide supplemental oxygen if puppies are labored in breathing
5. 5Keep puppies separated to minimize transmission
6. 6Document all puppy weights twice daily — weight loss is the earliest indicator