The DHLPP vaccine is an effective way to protect against a variety of diseases.
Often referred to simply as the distemper vaccination, the DHLPP vaccine prevents a number of canine diseases. Although not required by law, the DHLPP vaccine is one of the most important shots a dog can receive because it inoculates the animal against Parvo, a common and often fatal disease of the small intestine. The DHLPP vaccine is typically administered as a series of booster shots during a puppy's first few months, and then given annually throughout the remainder of a dog's life.
Distemper
The letter "D" in DHLPP stands for distemper, which is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect multiple organs including the brain, skin, eyes, intestinal and respiratory tracts of dogs. It can be transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected animals, including respiratory secretions. Due to its airborne nature, the virus can quickly infect dog populations in kennels or breeding facilities. The widespread use of the vaccine has contributed to a significant decline in the incidence of distemper infection throughout the United States.
Hepatitis
Infectious Canine Hepatitis, or Canine Adenovirus Type 1, is primarily a disease of the liver transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected animals. The corneas of infected animals may appear cloudy or bluish, leading to the expression "hepatitis blue-eye" used to describe the unfortunate dog. Although there is no treatment for an infected dog, the disease can be prevented though routine DHLPP vaccinations.
Leptospirosis
The "L" in DHLPP stands for leptospirosis, a disease with numerous strains affecting a variety of species including humans. The vaccine commonly administered as part of a dog's DHLPP shot inoculates against the canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae varieties, but other strains may still affect the dog. The bacteria enters the animal through the mucus membranes or open wounds, and can result in high fever, vomiting and dehydration. Unfortunately, some dogs can have a severe allergic reaction to this component of the DHLPP vaccine.
Parvo
Parvovirus is a common and often deadly disease of the gastrointestinal tract seen most frequently in unvaccinated puppies. The highly contagious virus is spread through contaminated stool, or through contact with an environment in which the virus is present. Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting and severe, malodorous diarrhea. The DHLPP vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the occurrence of parvovirus infection in dogs.
Parainfluenza
Canine Parainfluenza represents the final "P" in DHLPP, and is the least serious of the diseases against which it protects. It is a highly contagious viral disease that irritates the respiratory tracts of infected dogs, causing dry, unproductive coughing. Its symptoms resemble those of bordetella, commonly known as kennel cough, and can be easily spread between animals. Although no vaccine is 100 percent effective, the regular administration of the DHLPP vaccine is an excellent method of protection against these five common canine diseases.
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