What Is The 5-In-1 Vaccine (DHPP Vaccine) For Dogs?

When it comes to canine care, there are so many things to stay on top of. Feeding, watering, exercising, socializing, and regular health checkups are all essential components of keeping a dog healthy and happy. Part of a dog's wellness routine also includes vaccinations, which are given at regular intervals over time. Once such vaccine is called the 5-in-1 vaccine, which combats a number of potential infectious diseases. So, what exactly is the 5-in-1 vaccine for dogs, and do dogs need it?

We spoke with Dr. Jordan Kautz, a veterinarian at Crestview Veterinary Clinic in Austin, Texas, to find out more.

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The 5-in-1 vaccine is a core vaccination that treats a number of possible illnesses. The 5-in-1 vaccine is also known as the DA2PP or the DHPP vaccine. This combination vaccine protects dogs against distemper virus, which is very contagious and often fatal when contracted, as well as adenovirus 1 and 2, which can lead to hepatitis and kennel cough, respectively. Additionally, the 5-in-1 vaccine covers parainfluenza, which can also lead to kennel cough and canine parvovirus (parvo), which is incredibly dangerous and even fatal to dogs and is easy to contract. "There is an influenza vaccine for dogs that protects them against two strains of influenza," says Dr Kautz. "That is a different vaccine and a different virus than parainfluenza."

Vaccines save lives. The way a canine vaccine works is by introducing antigens resembling specific diseases into your dog's immune system. Now that your dog's system has been exposed to this foreign substance, it knows what to look out for, so if and when the real thing comes into contact with your dog, their immune system can recognize it and fight it off before it develops into illness or other issues.

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Vaccines are classified into two types: core and noncore vaccinations. Core vaccines are given to fight off diseases that dogs are commonly exposed to, such as parvovirus, distemper, adenovirus-2 (or canine hepatitis), and rabies. Noncore vaccinations aren't always given to all dogs and are recommended depending on specific factors that might expose your dog to certain infectious diseases, like what part of the world you live in or how social your dog is.

Noncore vaccinations protect against bordetella, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and canine parainfluenza. Often, noncore vaccines are required for dogs who come into contact with other dogs, like before boarding, attending a puppy class, or leaving and entering the country.

While various viruses and bacteria can cause what is commonly called "kennel cough," bordetella is the bacteria associated with this common upper airway infection. "Bordetella is considered the kennel cough vaccine as bordetella is the bacteria associated with a common upper airway infection," says Dr. Kautz. "However, the 5:1 DHPP vaccine also covers parainfluenza, which is another common viral cause for upper airway infection." The 5:1 DHPP vaccine covers parainfluenza, thus protecting your dog from contracting kennel cough from that.

To make sure your puppy or dog is healthy and happy, it's not only important to vaccinate but to vaccinate properly. Vaccinations for puppies are given on a schedule that is spaced over their first 5 or 6 months of age. Puppies should begin their first round of core vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks of age, with additional rounds following at 12 weeks and 16 weeks.

An additional booster shot is sometimes given around 20 weeks old, and elected noncore vaccines are given throughout this schedule. In order to keep your puppy in optimal health, all shots should be given on time over the course of the vaccination schedule.

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In addition to vaccinations, there are some measures you can take to keep your dog from contracting infectious diseases. If you have a puppy who is in the months-long vaccination process, you'll want to be careful who they are socializing with and where. Puppies who have received their first set of vaccines are safe to meet and play with other puppies and dogs as long as those canines have been fully vaccinated.

Because some diseases, like parvovirus, can live in the ground for up to a full year, it's best to play it safe and hold off on public spaces, like dog parks and boarding kennels, until after your puppy has undergone their full round of vaccinations. As your dog ages, some vaccinations will need readministering at various intervals, so be sure to keep annual appointments with your veterinarian to keep your canine friend updated on their shots.

The 5-in-1 vaccine, also known as the DA2PP or the DHPP vaccine, is called a "core vaccine" because it is a vaccination that is recommended by veterinarians for all dogs. This 5-in-1 combination vaccine protects dogs against distemper virus, adenovirus 1 and 2, parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus (parvo). Vaccinations are a key way to prevent your dog from becoming sick. Take care with socializing your dog before they are fully vaccinated, because some common respiratory infections are highly contagious. Parvo is often fatal.