DHPP Vaccine – What is it and who needs it?

The DHPP or DAPP vaccine is a canine vaccination made up of 4 components:

D – Canine Distemper

H/A – Hepatitis/Adenovirus

P – Parvovirus

P – Parainfluenza

(Note: Leptospirosis may also be given in combination with this vaccine, known as the DHLPP vaccine.)

Canine distemper is a highly contagious upper respiratory virus manifested through fever and neurological signs and is potentially fatal.

Hepatitis is a virus spread through urine and feces and will cause liver and kidney damage.  Symptoms are lack of appetite, lethargy, stomach pain, and bloody diarrhea.  It is often fatal in dogs.

Parainfluenza is an upper respiratory virus spread through the air or direct contact with an infected animal.  It is often fatal in puppies.

Parvovirus causes an intestinal disease that causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.  It is highly contagious and can be contracted easily in the air, environment, or from an infected animal.  It most often occurs in puppies that have not been vaccinated against it and is often fatal. 

These 4, often fatal, viruses can be easily prevented by the administration of the DHPP vaccine.  The vaccine should be given to puppies at 8 weeks of age, and then again as boosters at 12 and 16 weeks of age.  The vaccine should then be administered annually or tri-annually depending on the brand of vaccine given and the recommendations of your veterinarian.  The vaccination is given typically in ½ to 1 cc doses with a very small needle, subcutaneously.  Most puppies, with a little distraction, will hardly notice they’ve been poked!  If you acquire a dog that is over a year old and you do not know if they have ever been vaccinated, your vet will likely recommend that they should be vaccinated at the time you acquire them.   

Extremely rarely a puppy, or even an older dog getting vaccinated for the first time, will have a reaction to a vaccination.  They may spike a fever, become lethargic, or not want to eat.  This usually lasts for about 24 hours. You may also see swelling around the injection site.  If any of these things happen, contact your veterinarian immediately.  If the reaction is severe, your vet may want to monitor the puppy or dog in the vet clinic.  However, minor reactions may be able to be treated at home per your veterinarian’s instructions.  Just because your puppy reacts to a vaccine does NOT mean they should never receive the vaccination again.  They still need to be protected against the above-mentioned viruses.  Any reactions should be noted in your pet’s record, and based on the severity of the reaction, a vet will determine if and how to continue with the boosters. 

If you still have questions or reservations about your pet receiving vaccinations, please contact your veterinarian; they will answer your questions and help to put you at ease about the health of your pet!