What Is The DHPP Vaccine For Dogs?
The DHPP vaccine is important for dogs as it protects them from four major health conditions that can be fatal when contracted. This includes hepatitis, canine distemper virus (CDV), parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Our dogs are the most important things in our lives. I know I love mine as though they were family, and I’m sure you do as well. We’d do anything for them, and that includes making sure they are always in good health and taken care of. As puppies, they need a series of vaccinations to help keep them healthy, and the DHPP vaccine is one of them.
It protects dogs from a series of diseases, including things like canine distemper virus (CDV) and parvovirus. If puppies contract illnesses like this they’re at a much greater risk of dying or experiencing life-changing consequences. The DHPP virus can prevent any of that from happening to give you and your new family member peace of mind.
Let’s take a look at what the DHPP vaccine for dogs is and whether or not they should get it. Spoiler alert: they should.
Key Takeaways
- The DHPP vaccine protects dogs from hepatitis, CDV, parvovirus, and parainfluenza
- There are side effects, but the vaccine is safe for dogs
- All dogs should get the DHPP vaccine to keep them safe
- Usually, the DHPP vaccine is given to puppies
What Is The DHPP Vaccine For Dogs?
The DHPP vaccine is what’s known as a core vaccination. This means it is essential for the health and wellbeing of your puppy and is not considered to be optional. Without it, your dog won’t be allowed to go to boarding kennels, doggy daycare, grooming parlors, training sessions, or other gatherings of dogs. This includes dog shows.
It is administered when your dog is still a puppy because this is when their immune systems are most vulnerable and they are more likely to contract serious illnesses. Since core vaccines are used to protect against viruses that are highly contagious, have a high rate of fatality, and can cause serious disease, DHPP is not a vaccine you want to skip.
What Does The DHPP Vaccine Include?
The DHPP vaccine includes protection against the following viruses:
- Hepatitis
- Canine distemper virus (CDV)
- Parvovirus
- Parainfluenza
All of these viruses are ones with no known cure, which is what makes them dangerous. While there is treatment for them that can help your dog recover naturally, they have high rates of fatality and can cause life-changing problems if they do make it through. With these conditions, prevention is key and the vaccine is essential.
Should Dogs Get The DHPP Vaccine?
Dogs should definitely get the DHPP vaccine. It’s important for their health and protects them from deadly diseases. More than that, there are some dogs that can’t get the vaccine for health reasons (usually allergies or other health conditions). By ensuring your dog is vaccinated, you help contribute to herd immunity that protects vulnerable dogs.
It’s the same way it works in humans, where we rely on those who can to get vaccinated in order to protect the ones who can’t. We protect each other’s pets and our own, and the DHPP vaccine is completely safe for your dog to have.
What Are The Side Effects Of The DHPP Vaccine?
ISide effects are expected after vaccines, just like when humans get them. It’s not usually anything to be concerned about because they are usually very mild and have worn off by the next day. However, there are very rare cases when vaccines can cause anaphylaxis, which means they need immediate veterinary care, as it can be fatal.
It is exceptionally rare to see any allergic reactions or long-term health problems from vaccines, but it can happen. In general, the side effects that your dog might experience after the DHPP vaccine include:
- Mild fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling at the injection site
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Mild pain/discomfort at the injection site
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Joint pain
- Skin rash
- Muscle pain
If your dog experiences any of the following, they should be rushed to the vet immediately as this could be a sign of an allergic reaction:
- Severe weakness
- Hives
- Facial swelling
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Collapsing
How Old Should Dogs Be When Getting The DHPP Vaccine?
Your puppy will get their first DHPP vaccine between 6 and 8 weeks of age. After that, they will need to have it administered again every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. This ensures that they have built a proper immunity to the illnesses covered by the vaccine so that they can go outside, play, and socialise with other dogs.
How Often Do Dogs Need The DHPP Vaccine?
As above, dogs will need the vaccine every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. However, after this, they will then need an annual booster shot to keep their immunity updated and ensure they remain in good health. However, some vets dispute the need for annual shots and claim that dogs only need the boosters every three years.
Kennel cough is one of the few that vets unanimously agree should be done annually, but DHPP is on the list of vaccines that divide vets. Many believe that the booster only needs to be given every three years, and there are plenty of academic debates on the topic. My vet is one of them, but this is a discussion you should have with your vet to decide if it’s right for you.
What Is The DHPP Vaccine Cost?
The cost of the DHPP vaccine is going to vary between vets and areas, but you can generally expect to pay $25-50 per dose. Animal shelters might be cheaper, and some of them include the cost in the adoption fee. You might also find some insurance companies cover puppy vaccines as part of preventative care plans, but this is not always the case and is uncommon.
FAQs
Is It Okay If I Don’t Vaccinate My Dog?
No, it’s not okay if you don’t vaccinate your dog. Leaving your dog unvaccinated leaves them open to a number of illnesses and diseases that could be deadly and are difficult to treat. By vaccinating them, you are helping to prevent this, especially in young puppies who are still developing their immune systems.
At What Age Do You Stop Vaccinating Your Dog?
Puppy vaccinations are finished between 12 and 16 weeks of age, and after that, your adult dog will need booster vaccinations. Generally speaking, these are annual boosters, but there are many vets who claim they are only needed every three years. There are studies to support both theories, and it depends on how much you trust your vet.
Is DHPP The Same As Bordetella?
No, DHPP and Bordetella are different vaccines. Bordetella is the vaccine used to protect a dog from kennel cough, which is a requirement if dogs go to boarding kennels or dog shows. It may also be a requirement for grooming parlors, doggy daycare, and training classes. DHPP is a vaccine that protects dogs from four serious and deadly illnesses.
Final Thoughts
The canine DHPP vaccine is exceptionally important for the health and wellbeing of your dog. It protects them from serious illnesses that could be fatal if contracted, and are especially dangerous in puppies. Vaccinations are essential for dogs to be happy, healthy, and thriving. As owners, it’s our job to make sure they are always in good health.
It’s true that vaccines sometimes have side effects, but most of them are normal, barring an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients. Don’t listen to scaremongering about how vaccines are dangerous and harmful – basic science teaches us that mild exposure to illnesses is how animals and humans build immunity. Your dog is in good hands, and their health is important.
