DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo)

The DHPP vaccination is commonly referred to as a distemper or a distemper-parvo vaccine. It does protect against those two potentially fatal viral infections, but it covers much more. DHPPI is a veterinary vaccine that contains live but weakened canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2b and canine parainfluenza virus type 2.

Canine distemper is a contagious viral infection that attacks a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological systems.

The Parvo virus mainly targets the gastrointestinal tract resulting in vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It also suppresses the patient’s immune system and unfortunately, can even affect the heart.

The hepatitis virus most commonly damages the liver, but it can also affect the kidneys, spleen and/or lungs.

The last component of this combination vaccine is the parainfluenza virus. This is a respiratory infection that is spread rapidly between dogs.

This is a core vaccination that is needed by all dogs.