What Are the Herpes Symptoms in Dogs?

Canine herpes is a virus that does not affect adult dogs, but is devastatingly fatal to newborn puppies up to three weeks old.

Adult Dogs

Adult dogs are carriers of the virus and rarely exhibit symptoms. The only symptom that may possibly be detected in an adult dog are small lesions similar to a blister near the vaginal area.

Depression

Puppies which have contracted canine herpes will often become depressed, causing them to refuse nursing and cry often.

Feces

The feces of an infected puppy will be soft, but not liquid, and will have a yellow-ish green color.

Respiratory Signs

Canine herpes is a respiratory disease, so the most common symptoms in affected puppies include excessive sneezing and a runny nasal discharge.

Rashes

Occasionally puppies will develop a rash on their abdomen that is associated with this virus.

Rare Symptoms

More rare symptoms of the canine herpes virus include nose bleeds, blindness, and staggering.

References

• "Herpes Virus". HillTopAnimalHospital.com

Resources

• "Herpes Virus in Dogs: a Cause of Puppy Death"