When you take your dog in for their annual vaccines, one of the key vaccines the vet may administer is called the DHLPP. Dogs receive their first shot as a puppy, and as adults, they need boosters every year. Most pet owners understand that the DHLPP vaccine is important to protect their dog against disease. But do you know which diseases, specifically, it protects against? Take a look.
Distemper
Distemper is a contagious, viral disease that causes respiratory and digestive symptoms. Dogs with distemper will be downright miserable, suffering from a runny nose, red eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea. If untreated, distemper can be deadly, especially in young, old, and immune-compromised dogs. The disease is very contagious, so it is important that dogs are vaccinated before they spend time with other dogs.
Hepatitis
"Hepatitis" is actually a general term that means "inflammation of the liver," but the DHLPP vaccine offers protection against one specific type of viral hepatitis. This disease leads to liver failure and is often fatal once symptoms appear. Dogs of all ages are susceptible, but the vaccine offers great protection.
Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease can affect dogs, humans, and most other mammals. It's common in wildlife, so your dog could contract it just by drinking water that has come into contact with an infected raccoon's or fox's feces. Leptospirosis causes fever, body aches, and eventually kidney failure. While it is treatable, it is not easy to treat, so vaccinating against it is a smart move, especially for dogs who spend time outside.
Parainfluenza
The first of the two "P" diseases, parainfluenza is a respiratory disease that, as the name suggests, causes symptoms that mimic those of the flu. Your dog may cough, sneeze, and develop a runny nose. Parainfluenza is not usually deadly, but it can take a long time for a dog to fight off, and vaccination offers good protection against it.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a very contagious disease that causes vomiting, diarrhea, and often death in puppies. The virus can live on surfaces for a long time, so dogs can be exposed without even being directly around another dog. Therefore, vaccination is key to prevention.
Now you should have a better understanding of what your dog is being protected from when given the DHLPP vaccine. This one shot protects against five different diseases that you really don't want your dog to suffer with. Visit a vet for more information about pet vaccinations.
