Sometimes this particular vaccine is titled DHPPV, DA2PPV, or DHPPV-C or some other similar variation. This particular vaccine is commonly known as the “Distemper-Parvo” or “5-in-one” or “seven-in-one” vaccine. Although there are some differences between them, you can tell what is in the vaccine based on the letters.
Tea D in DHPPV stands for Distemper. This airborne disease is actually a virus and attacks the nervous system of dogs, causing the dog to have seizures, cough, vomit and sometimes foam at the mouth. This disease is incredibly contagious, and as a result, all dogs should be vaccinated with DHPPV. Although secondary infections can be treated, most cases of Distemper are incurable and untreatable. Since it is a neurological disease, all dogs should be regularly vaccinated against distemper. Puppies should receive a series of DHPPV shots before they are five months old.
Tea H in DHPPV stands for Hepatitis also known as canine adenovirus type 2 (so when “A2” appears as part of the abbreviation for this vaccine, it refers to the same disease as the “H”). This disease, like hepatitis in humans, attacks the liver and is contracted through exposure of a healthy dog to the feces, urine, blood, saliva, and nasal discharge of a dog that has the disease. Dogs are especially susceptible to this disease simply because they use their noses to sniff out and assess their surroundings. Although hepatitis corrects itself in healthy individuals, it comes with symptoms that need treatment.These symptoms include diarrhea and a poor immune response.
A P in DHPPV stands for Parainfluenza. This is a respiratory tract infection (upper respiratory infection) in dogs, much like a cough or cold in humans. Some symptoms include runny nose or eyes, cough, and shortness of breath. This is different from “kennel cough” or Bordetella, which is a separate vaccine.
A P in DHPPV it is for Parvovirus. This is an incredibly contagious, often deadly virus that lives in soil for between seven and ten years (depending on the study). Infected people shed the virus for up to three weeks, and it can take ten days to two weeks for an infected animal to start showing signs or symptoms. If an owner believes their animal has been exposed to parvo, the dog should be examined (at a veterinarian’s office) and vaccinated if he has not already received adequate doses of the DHPPV vaccine. Parvo is very, very contagious.
Infected animals, usually young dogs and puppies, usually stop eating and drinking, lie around with low energy, and eventually have severe, dark, bloody diarrhea. Although some of these symptoms are the same as those of hookworm infestations, immediate action is necessary to ensure the dog’s survival. There is no cure for parvo. The dogs will die from dehydration and intestinal trauma, not from the virus. Young dogs and puppies sometimes die within a few days of the onset of symptoms.
Night care and intravenous fluids are required to keep dogs hydrated and comfortable while the virus runs its course. This treatment usually takes a few days and is very expensive. Owners should keep their puppies away from foreign and potentially contaminated soils (such as parks, foreign yards, and dog parks) until the puppy is fully vaccinated (“fully vaccinated” means a series of vaccinations 2 to 3 weeks apart a from the other while the animal is still young).
Tea v means “Virus”. CPV, for example, is simply the term used for Canine Parvovirus and is short for a vaccine that only covers Parvo.
Tea L in DHLPPV stands for Leptospirosis. This disease is spread through urine and dogs contract it by licking a contaminated surface. Basically, leptospirosis, or lepto, is common mainly in kennels where strange, unknown and potentially contaminated dogs can urinate. The disease affects the liver and causes yellow eyes, lethargy, and sometimes kidney failure. Many veterinarians have stopped giving a leptospirosis vaccine due to the low risk in most circumstances.
Tea against in DHPPV-C stands for Coronavirus. This disease is transmitted through contaminated feces and causes diarrhea and vomiting in the infected dog. Although this disease is easily treated, it manifests symptoms within three days after contamination. Due to the high level of exposure, dogs in kennels are usually vaccinated against this disease.
DHPPV should be administered annually to dogs under five years of age. Puppies should be vaccinated with DHPPV every 2 to 3 weeks until they are four months old.
Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your animal’s vaccinations.
