Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in dogs are rare but can be serious. They mostly affect intact dogs or those used for breeding. The most common venereal diseases include brucellosis and transmissible venereal tumor (TVT).

Other infections, like canine herpesvirus (CHV-1), may also spread during mating or birth. Early diagnosis and prevention are essential for controlling these diseases.

Canine Brucellosis

Brucellosis is caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. It spreads through mating or contact with birthing fluids. In males, it causes swollen testicles, infertility, and pain. In females, it may lead to infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Other symptoms include eye infections, back pain, and lethargy. Diagnosis requires blood tests or bacterial culture. There is no cure.

Long-term antibiotics and neutering may reduce symptoms. Infected dogs remain contagious and are often removed from breeding programs.

Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT)

TVT is a cancer passed during mating. It is common in free-roaming or stray dogs, especially in warmer climates. Tumors appear on the genitals and may ulcerate or bleed. Dogs often lick the affected area.

TVT can also spread to the nose, mouth, or eyes. Diagnosis is made by examining tumor cells under a microscope. Chemotherapy with vincristine usually cures the disease in several weeks. Surgery or radiation may be used if needed.

Canine Herpesvirus (CHV-1)

CHV-1 is a virus that spreads through genital contact or birth. It is especially dangerous to newborn puppies. Pregnant females may have stillbirths or lose entire litters.

Adult dogs often show few or no signs. Once infected, the virus stays in the body for life. There is no approved treatment in the United States. Supportive care and hygiene are key to preventing the virus from spreading in kennels.

Symptoms of Canine STDs

Many dogs with STDs show few signs at first. Symptoms often involve the reproductive system. These may include:

• Vaginal or penile discharge
• Swollen testicles or lymph nodes
• Genital masses or bleeding tumors
• Infertility or pregnancy loss
• Excessive licking of genital areas

Diagnosis and Testing

Veterinarians diagnose canine STDs using blood tests, cultures, cytology, or biopsy. A history of recent mating or contact with stray dogs raises suspicion.

Testing is essential before breeding. Infected dogs should be isolated from others immediately.

Treatment Options

Brucellosis treatment includes long-term antibiotics and spaying or neutering. Dogs often remain infected for life. Most breeders remove these dogs from programs.

TVT is very treatable. Chemotherapy works well and often leads to full recovery. CHV-1 has no cure, so prevention and careful breeding practices are key.

Prevention of Canine STDs

Preventing dog STDs takes planning and responsibility:

• Test all breeding dogs before mating
• Isolate infected dogs from healthy ones
• Spay or neuter dogs not used for breeding
• Practice good hygiene when handling births
• Avoid allowing dogs to roam or breed unsupervised
• Use gloves when dealing with birthing fluids or sick puppies

Zoonotic Risk to Humans

Brucella canis can infect humans, but this is rare. People who work with dogs are more at risk than pet owners. The infection can cause fever, fatigue, and joint pain in people.

Wearing gloves and washing hands reduces this risk. TVT and CHV-1 do not spread to humans.

Conclusion

Canine STDs are uncommon but serious. Brucellosis and TVT can cause long-term reproductive problems or cancer. CHV-1 is deadly to newborn pups.

Responsible breeding and veterinary screening are the best ways to prevent these diseases. If you suspect an infection, contact your veterinarian right away.

References

Carmichael, L. E. (1983). Canine brucellosis: an annotated review. Cornell Vet, 73(1), 3–26.

Wanke, M. M. (2004). Canine brucellosis. Animal Reproduction Science, 82–83, 195–207.

von Euler, H., et al. (2004). Clinical characteristics and outcome in 31 dogs with transmissible venereal tumor. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 225(3), 367–370.

Rota Nodari, S., et al. (2021). Canine transmissible venereal tumor: A review of the literature. Animals, 11(7), 1916.

Decaro, N., et al. (2008). Canine herpesvirus. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 38(4), 799–814.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Brucellosis: General Information. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/brucellosis

Kreeger, T. J., et al. (1990). A field test for canine brucellosis. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 26(2), 168–175.

Greene, C. E. (Ed.). (2012). Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat (4th ed.). Elsevier.