Common Dog Vaccines Explained

Vaccines are important to keeping your dog safe, as well as other dogs and people in the community. Here are some of the most commonly given vaccines to dogs, so you can be better informed the next time those shots come due!

DH(L)PP Vaccine

DHPP is the common “combo” vaccine that is given every year or every three years depending on your dog’s history. This vaccine can also be given in combination with a Leptospirosis vaccine. DHPP stands for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.

Distemper is a respiratory virus that can be deadly in young animals, and can turn into a neurologic and GI-based disease. It is often mistaken for other less severe respiratory illnesses, which is why it is important to vaccine.

Hepatitis is the inflammation and infection of the liver, and can lead to chronic problems as well as liver failure and often results in death. Parainfluenza is a canine respiratory flu which can lead to severe complications if left untreated, but is treatable. It is, however, very contagious so vaccination is important.

Parvovirus is one of the most important vaccines and is the illness that most dog owners have heard about. Parvo is a virus that causes severe intestinal distress, leading to dehydration and bloody vomiting and diarrhea. It can affect dogs of all ages, but is most deadly to young puppies that are not yet vaccinated, and older dogs that have immune dysfunction. Parvo is VERY easily spread, and can live in the environment including the ground for up to six months. It is very hard to control and get rid of, so vaccination is important to not only helping your own dog, but preventing the spread of the virus to pets that cannot be vaccinated.

Leptospirosis is an organism that is often spread in stagnant water sources, and can be spread via livestock. It is often an optional vaccine that is more often given in rural areas or to pets that are at higher risk of disease.

Bordetella Vaccine

Bordetella, more commonly known as Kennel Cough, is a contagious illness that appears in crowded areas such as shelters, dog parks or grooming facilities. There is both a viral and bacterial Bordetella, however vaccination works only against the viral form.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies is a zoonotic (meaning it can be given to people) virus that affects most mammals in the world. It is deadly once contracted, and the vaccine often is required by law for all domestic pets. This vaccine must be given by a veterinarian, and must be updated every three years. As rabies is deadly, any pets that are not up to date on vaccines that bite a person may be subject to quarantine and even euthanasia in order to be tested for the illness, so it is important that this vaccine is given!

Vaccines are important not only to your dog’s health, but to the health of everyone else around! If you have any questions about the above vaccines, be sure to bring it up at your next veterinary exam.

With Love,

Mr. Bentley & Ms. Bella

About our Writers

Pet Wish Pros is proud to have Bentley and Bella contributing to our pet health blog. For many years, Bentley has been passionate about improving and learning from the lives and experiences of homeless pets in the greater Atlanta area. Bella is usually busy discovering new pet health products and medications. In her free time, Bella enjoys working on her horse farm. Both Bentley and Bella are devoted to animal health & their experience allows them to keep you informed while saving YOU money! 

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