What does the Dhpp shot do for dogs?

Most dog owners have heard about the DHPP (or DA2PP) vaccine. This is one of several important immunizations recommended by veterinarians for most dogs.

DHPP, also called DA2PP, is a combination vaccine that immunizes dogs for four diseases. The vaccine is typically injected subcutaneously (under the skin). Each letter in DA2PP or DHPP stands for one of the diseases covered in the vaccine. DA2PP vaccines are modified live vaccines (MLV). They contain a small amount of the virus in order to "teach" the immune system how to fight it. The amount of virus present is not capable of making a dog become clinically ill with the virus.

Canine Distemper is a serious virus that starts in the respiratory system. In addition to respiratory signs, distemper can cause thickening of nose and foot pads, fever, and gastrointestinal problems. This disease is highly contagious to unvaccinated dogs and is often fatal.

Canine Adenovirus type 2 was formerly called hepatitis but does not refer to the type that is contagious to humans. This virus may cause kennel cough in dogs, but the vaccine is mainly intended to protect against canine infectious hepatitis virus caused by CAV-1. The vaccine also protects against CAV-2, which is associated with canine infectious respiratory disease syndrome.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious, life-threatening virus that causes severe gastrointestinal effects in dogs. Humans cannot contract parvovirus, but the disease can easily pass from dog to dog via clothing and objects. Parvo can be fatal, especially in puppies.

Parainfluenza is a virus that affects the respiratory system in dogs and is known to cause kennel cough. Signs include coughing, nasal congestion and discharge, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Distemper, adenovirus type 2, and parvovirus are all considered core vaccines by the American Veterinary Medical Association and American Animal Hospital Association. This means they are recommended for all healthy dogs, regardless of lifestyle or environment. Most manufacturers combine these vaccines and include parainfluenza. Parainfluenza is not considered a core vaccine, but many vets prefer to include it in the combination of vaccines administered to dogs.

The AVMA has established standards regarding the DA2PP vaccine.

• Puppies under 16 weeks old: Vaccinate as early as six weeks of age, then booster every two to four weeks until the age of 16 weeks.
• Dogs over 16 weeks old with no vaccine history: Vaccinate, then booster one time within two to four weeks.
• Adult Dogs: Vaccinate one year after the initial vaccination series, then booster every three years.

All vaccines have potential side effects, but veterinarians agree that the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks for most dogs. Most vaccines have self-limiting effects. They may cause lethargy, decreased appetite, and mild pain and/or lumps at the site of injection. These side effects typically resolve within a day or two.

Vaccines should not be administered to a dog with a fever. In general, sick dogs should not be vaccinated until they have recovered from illness. Vaccines are generally avoided in any dog with a history of autoimmune diseases because it may cause the dog to become sick.

Vaccine reactions are uncommon and typically occur within 15-30 minutes of injection. Signs of vaccine reaction may include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, and collapse. Bring your dog back to the vet immediately if you notice any of these signs.

There is little evidence about the potential long-term effects of the DA2PP vaccine in dogs. In general, overvaccination has been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disease in dogs. However, modern vaccine protocols strive to reduce overvaccination. The vast majority of dogs experience no long-term effects from immunizations.

Vaccines have been the subject of controversy on both the human and veterinary sides. Most experts agree that the DHPP is an important part of keeping dogs healthy and recommend that all healthy dogs receive the DA2PP vaccine. However, this vaccine is not required by law in the United States (unlike the rabies vaccine, which is legally required in all 50 states).

Owners may choose to decline the DA2PP vaccine, but this puts all dogs at risk because one sick dog can spread disease to numerous other dogs. If you choose not to vaccinate your dog, then you might not be permitted to take your dog to grooming facilities, boarding facilities, dog daycare, dog parks, and other places where dogs gather. In general, you should not allow your unvaccinated dog to come into contact with other dogs, especially those that are sick or unvaccinated.

It is up to pet owners to do research and find veterinarians they can trust, then make a decision that is best for the health of their dogs. Responsible dog owners will consider the health of other dogs when making decisions about vaccines for their own dogs.

Clients often ask me how frequently we give different vaccines, especially in regards to the 5 in 1 (also called DHPP or distemper /parvo ) vaccine in dogs, and rabies in cats. In light of new research, in this article I break it down for you!

Previously we gave all vaccines yearly, to make sure dogs maintained their immunity to a host of important diseases. Now we have a better understanding of immunity. We are able to better tailor vaccination to the individual animal. It is important to understand, however, that all dogs respond to vaccinations differently. After vaccination immunity steadily declines over time. This means that while some dogs are still immune years after a vaccination, others are not. Researchers calculate vaccination time tables to make sure that the vast majority of dogs will remain immune for the recommended interval.

5 in 1 (DHPP)
DHPP is a canine vaccine that prevents distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and two types of adenovirus (hepatitis). Dogs should receive the DHPP vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, one year later, and then 1 to 3 years after that. Previously, dogs received DHPP yearly afterward. However new research by several vaccine manufacturers has led to the approval of vaccines good for 3 years in adult dogs that have received all puppy vaccines and a vaccination one year after their puppy set. This is due to a build up of long term memory cells. Memory cells slowly die off after vaccination so only dogs with full vaccination histories will have enough cells to last 3 years. Dogs with missed vaccinations will need to be vaccinated more often.

3 in 1 (FVRCP)
Cats should receive an FVRCP vaccine at 8,12, and 16 weeks of age, and then 6 months to 1 year later. Previously, cats received FVRCP yearly afterward. However new research shows protective immunity of over 3 years for most cats. Thus it is now appropriate to vaccinate adult cats in low risk households every 3 years. Cats in high risk households may need to be v

Rabies:
Dogs –
Dogs should receive a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks, one year later, then every 3 years. This is because it takes multiple doses for enough immunity to build up that will last 3 years. Thus, if you are late on a vaccination it may only be good for one year.

Cats –
The standard of practice is to give cats a feline specific rabies vaccine that is good for one year. Previously, veterinarians gave the same vaccine to cats and dogs, which were good for 3 years. These vaccinations, however, are associated with tumor development in cats. The feline specific vaccines do not have adjuvant, which decreases the length of immunity but does not stimulate tumor development. Your cat should always receive a feline specific vaccine.

Other Vaccinations:
Most other vaccinations, including Bordetella, Lyme, Leptospirosis, Influenza, and FeLV are either killed vaccines with a shorter duration of immunity, or are live vaccines with a lack of evidence for longer duration immunity. Thus, pets should get them yearly. This is especially important to remember for Leptospirosis, since it is often combined with DHPP. Even if you give DHPP every 3 years, your dog still needs a booster for leptospirosis yearly.