Dog herpes virus is a common virus and it is thought that as many as 80% of dogs will have been exposed to it in their lives. Like all herpesviruses dogs are infected for life once exposed. It hides in nerve cells and reactivates at times of stress. This disease is most serious in young puppies less than one month old and sadly most infected puppies will fade and die. Infections in pregnant dogs can cause stillbirths, infertility and miscarriage, this is why a vaccine is usually advised for breeding dogs. Older dogs can also get eye and respiratory symptoms, but this is rare.
Canine Herpes FAQs:
Can dogs get herpes?
Yes, dogs can get the canine form of the herpes virus known as canine herpes (CHV-1).
Can you catch herpes from a dog?
No, dogs cannot transmit herpes to humans. The human strains are HSV-1 and HSV-2 and these viruses are only able to live and reproduce in humans, the canine form is CHV-1 which can also live and reproduce in dogs.
Can dogs give humans herpes?
No, the canine herpes virus can only live and reproduce in dogs.