Companion Animals

Dog Canine Hepatitis: Vaccination and Welfare Protection

Infectious canine hepatitis caused by canine adenovirus type 1 is preventable through routine vaccination.

Key Facts

Canine adenovirus type 1 causes acute fatal hepatitis in unvaccinated dogs
Clinical signs include vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice progressing to liver failure
CAV-2 vaccination provides cross-protection against CAV-1 with better safety profile
UK hepatitis vaccination is included in core vaccine protocols protecting the majority of dogs

Welfare Considerations

Infectious canine hepatitis causes acute severe suffering from liver failure, pain, and neurological signs in unvaccinated dogs. Vaccination is part of core canine protection and entirely prevents this serious disease. Community vaccination coverage creates herd protection benefiting all dogs.

What You Can Do

Ensure your dog receives and maintains core vaccinations including adenovirus protection
Vaccinate puppies at the recommended age to protect them before exposure risk
Support low-cost vaccination clinics for dogs in financially disadvantaged households