Herpes virus is a cause of neonatal puppy death. Puppies die in the first 2 or 3 weeks of life when body temperature cannot be regulated by the puppy. After 3 weeks the disease no longer causes death.

In adult dogs, Herpes infection is in the form of a mild respiratory infection - constant sneezing as if with a cold. This also spreads the infection. A dog may acquire Herpes infection as an aerosol or from secretions on your clothing. Dog shows etc. are ideal situations for contracting this infection. A bitch so infected may abort of resorb her litter.

Older puppies that can regulate their body temperature will only be infected with the respiratory form, puppies die of Herpes only so long as they are unable to mount a fever response or have the lower body temperature of neonates. After 3 weeks of age their body temperature is high enough to resist the overwhelming infection which results in death.

The only treatment for young pups is to elevate their body temperature. Puppies may acquire Herpes virus as they pass through the vaginal canal at birth, or via secretions or aerosols after birth. Any surviving puppies could have permanent damage to their nervous system, kidneys or lymphoid system.

Stress may activate the Herpes virus. This may help explain those bitches that were palpated or scanned in whelp at 4 weeks but failed to produce, or produced a much smaller litter than anticipated, or produced small weak puppies.

It is important to consider the sense in taking a pregnant bitch into possible infection areas i.e. dog shows, boarding kennels etc. Not withstanding that this infection can travel home with you from a show.

It is important to have your bitches and stud dogs swabbed prior to breeding, especially if there is any cause for suspicion.

Checking thyroid levels in older bitches prior to breeding is also worth considering as low thyroid levels make it difficult for her to resist infection.

Above all - make certain your newborn pups have an external heat source. Keep them warm, enough so that they are relaxed and not huddling together for warmth all the time.

Use common sense, you don’t want to dehydrate them by having it too hot, but the pups should be comfortably warm and away from cold draughts.

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