Vaccine for Dogs: DHPP Edition
The DHPP vaccine, also known as DAPP or DA2PP, is a crucial part of a dog's healthcare routine. This vaccine combines protection against four major contagious diseases: Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
Understanding the Components
- Distemper virus affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, and there is no cure for it. Infection is often fatal.
- Hepatitis virus (Canine adenovirus type 1 or 2) can cause infectious canine hepatitis, affecting the liver and kidneys. Vaccinating against CAV-2 protects dogs against CAV-1 and infectious canine hepatitis.
- Parainfluenza virus contributes to respiratory infections, notably kennel cough.
- Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus causing severe gastrointestinal disease, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
This vaccine is sometimes called DA2PP or DAPP when it includes adenovirus type 2, which also provides cross-protection against adenovirus type 1.
Benefits and Protection
The DHPP vaccine protects against serious, life-threatening diseases that can severely impact multiple organ systems and immune function. It helps prevent outbreaks of highly contagious canine viral diseases.
Typically, the vaccine is administered starting at 6-8 weeks of age with booster shots following every 2-4 weeks until about 16 weeks old. After the initial "puppy shots" are completed, a DHPP booster should be administered one year after the last vaccine in the puppy series, and a booster vaccination should be administered every three years.
This vaccine is essential for dog boarding or social environments; most boarding facilities require proof of DHPP vaccination due to the risk of spread.
Administration and Considerations
The DHPP vaccine is given subcutaneously or intramuscularly. It is not recommended for use in pregnant dogs. Effective vaccines like Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv and Canine Spectra 5 (both 5-way vaccines) utilize high antigenic mass and low passage virus to overcome maternal antibodies in puppies, ensuring early effective immunization.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, should be avoided at the time of vaccination, if possible, as they may suppress the immune system's response.
In some cases, dogs may have severe vaccine reactions to the DHPP vaccine that are life-threatening. In these cases, talk with your veterinarian about your options. In rare cases, a more severe allergic reaction to the DHPP vaccine may occur, causing symptoms such as hives, facial swelling, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or collapse.
The ULTRA Duramune vaccine from Elanco is a half-volume DHPP vaccine, intended to minimize discomfort and the risk of vaccine reactions. Mild lethargy and soreness at the site of the vaccine are relatively common side effects after vaccination.
The cost of the DHPP vaccine varies based on the area's cost of living and the veterinarian used, but typically ranges from $25 to $50. Pet health insurance plans may help cover some vaccine costs, and the CareCredit credit card can help manage pet care costs, such as vaccinations.
In sum, the DHPP vaccine is a core vaccine vital for maintaining a dog’s health by preventing four potentially fatal viral diseases through a combination immunization approach. If you observe any signs of an allergic reaction after vaccination, contact your veterinarian immediately.
[1] Veterinary Medicine: Small Animal Practice (2021) [2] Merck Veterinary Manual (2021) [3] American Kennel Club (2021) [4] Elanco (2021) [5] Nobivac (2021)
- To ensure your pet's health, it's crucial to understand the science behind the DHPP vaccine, which protects against four major canine health-and-wellness issues: Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.
- The DHPP vaccine, when combined with science, contributes significantly to dog's health by preventing life-threatening diseases, providing cross-protection against adenovirus types 1 and 2, and minimizing the risk of highly contagious canine viral diseases.
