Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Canine Herpesvirus and Neonatal Welfare

Canine herpesvirus causes devastating neonatal mortality in puppy litters, with welfare implications for both pups and breeding bitches.

Key Facts

Canine herpesvirus causes up to 100% mortality in infected neonates under 3 weeks
The virus replicates optimally at temperatures below 37 degrees - neonatal puppies are thermally vulnerable
Keeping whelping areas above 30 degrees significantly reduces mortality
A vaccine is available in some countries for breeding bitches
Adult dogs carry the virus asymptomatically after primary infection

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal puppies dying from herpesvirus infection experience acute deterioration and death, while surviving littermates and the bitch suffer from the loss. The disease is preventable through appropriate temperature management and vaccination where available. Responsible breeders should understand and address herpesvirus risk as part of neonatal welfare planning.

What You Can Do

Maintain whelping temperature above 29 degrees for neonatal pups
Vaccinate breeding bitches where herpesvirus vaccine is available
Educate breeders about neonatal temperature management and infection risk