Canine Herpesvirus, also known as CHV, is a form of herpes virus that can infect adult dogs through sexual contact, contact with bodily secretions, and in rare cases through inhalation of the virus that is suspended in aerial droplets. Puppies can become infected with the virus by coming into contact with secretions or bodily fluids from an infected mother or other infected puppies.
Puppies that are infected with canine herpesvirus generally begin to show symptoms approximately four to six days after they are born. Symptoms of the CHV virus in puppies include continual crying, loss of their suckling reflex and the inability to nurse, yellow soft feces, discharge from the nose, nosebleeds, abdominal rash, and abdominal pain. Adult dogs, both male and female, that are infected by CHV will generally display symptoms around their reproductive organs.
Unfortunately there is no cure for canine herpesvirus. However there are treatment therapies that can reduce the symptoms, and there are prevention methods that can help to stop the virus from infecting other dogs. Once a dog is infected with CHV, they will always be a carrier of the virus.