Vaccines are the best way to prevent your dog from getting sick. One of the core vaccines for dogs is the DAPP vaccine for dogs. This is a single vaccine that protects dogs from distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvo. This article provides useful information about the usage of the DAPP vaccine for dogs such as the dosage, usage, cost, and more.
The Dapp Vaccine and The Diseases It Prevents In Dogs
Dapp vaccine for dogs is a vaccine that helps protect dogs from the four highly contagious viral diseases namely Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, and Parvo. It is a combination of three inactivated vaccines that have been combined into one shot. The DAPP vaccine for dogs starts at 8 weeks old but should not be given to pregnant or nursing dogs.
The DAPP vaccine is one of the highly recommended vaccines for dogs These diseases, particularly the Parvovirus is highly virulent and deadly. Puppies are most susceptible to these diseases. The DAPP dog vaccine protects puppies from these diseases as well as secondary infections like respiratory infections.
#1. Distemper Disease in Dogs
Distemper is a viral disease that affects dogs. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through physical contact with infected animals, as well as through airborne droplets. The virus spreads quickly, but dogs will only show symptoms of distemper within a few days to weeks after they have been infected. Distemper affects a dog’s respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, lymphatic system, and central nervous system.
The signs of distemper in dogs are fever, diarrhea, discharge from the nose, sunken eyes, lethargy, seizure, loss of appetite, coughing and sneezing, and vomiting. It is a fact that distemper disease in dogs, being a viral disease, cannot be treated but can be managed under critical conditions. The most effective treatment technique for distemper disease is isolation and treatment of secondary infections like fever.
#2. Adenovirus
The canine adenovirus is a virus that causes both hepatitis and tracheobronchitis in dogs. It can infect dogs of all ages, though it is most common in puppies. The disease is transmitted by direct contact with infected dogs and/or by contact with items that have been contaminated by the dog’s bodily fluids, such as food bowls, water bowls, or toys.
The clinical signs associated with this disease include fever, coughing, gagging, lethargy, and nasal discharge. The infection may also cause eye infections or respiratory problems. The best way to prevent your dog from getting this disease is by ensuring they are up to date on their vaccinations against other diseases such as distemper and parvo. It’s also important to keep your yard clean so that it doesn’t become contaminated with feces from other animals (which can contain the virus).
#3. Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs. It is one of the most common causes of illness in puppies and young dogs and spreads through contact with other dogs or with objects that have been contaminated by the virus.
The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog or feces and vomit from an infected dog. The severity of the condition depends on how much damage has been done to the dog’s intestinal tract because parvovirus causes issues with the gastrointestinal system. The symptoms of parvovirus include vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea.
#4. Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza is a respiratory virus that affects dogs. It can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog respiratory secretions such as mucous or by coming into contact with contaminated objects, such as food bowls or toys.
The disease is characterized by coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge in dogs. It can also cause difficulty breathing and fever. In some cases, an infected dog’s eyes may become watery and reddened as well. The incubation period for canine parainfluenza is around 3 to 5 days.
Dosage and Administration of Dapp Vaccine
The DAPP Vaccination is available in 25 x 1 mL doses tray. The first dose should be administered when your dog is 8 weeks old and can be repeated at 2 to 4 weeks after the first injection. Two doses are required for primary immunization.
In order to receive its full immunological benefit, DAPP Vaccine for Dogs should be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly by a veterinarian. After the first administration of the DAPP vaccine at 6 weeks of age, 3 booster doses are required at an interval of 3 weeks. The 3rd booster can last for 1 year. Subsequently, the DAPP Vaccination is every 3 years after that.
Possible Side Effects
Several common side effects may be experienced by dogs who receive the Dapp vaccine, including:
- localized swelling at the injection site
- mild fever
- diarrhea
- vomiting
The Cost of Dapp Vaccine for Dogs
The cost of the Dapp vaccine for dogs ranges from $20 to $44 per shot. The price depends on the type of vaccine you choose, as well as where you get it. For example, if you go to a small-town veterinarian who isn’t affiliated with a larger chain, the price might be lower than if you go to a big-box store or a clinic in the city.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule
The first thing to know is that there is not just one puppy vaccination schedule for all dogs. Factors such as which part of the country you live in, and your dog’s risk factors will come into play. Some dogs do not need every vaccine. This decision is between you and your veterinarian. Always discuss puppy vaccinations at your regularly scheduled appointments. That said, here is a generally accepted guideline for the puppy vaccination schedule for the first year.
Puppy’s Age | Recommended Vaccinations | Optional Vaccinations |
6 — 8 weeks | Distemper, parvovirus | Bordetella |
10 — 12 weeks | DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) | Influenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease per lifestyle as recommended by a veterinarian |
16 — 18 weeks | DHPP, rabies | Influenza, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, Bordetella per lifestyle |
12 — 16 months | DHPP, rabies | Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease |
Every 1 — 2 years | DHPP | Influenza, Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease per lifestyle |
Every 1 — 3 years | Rabies (as required by law) | none |
Read More: Feline Distemper Vaccine: Usage, Side Effects, Cost & Others
Final Notes
Vaccinating your puppy at an early age can help protect them from many potentially life-threatening illnesses. The DAPP is one of the core vaccines recommended for every puppy. This vaccine protects against many viruses your puppy or adult dog may come into contact with. You may need the help of the vet for better medication and vaccination procedures.