Most dog owners know their pup needs vaccines to stay healthy. But many pet owners find the abbreviations for vaccines confusing and hard to remember. Today, we’re explaining the DHLPP vaccine and why it’s so important for your dog.
What is the DHLPP Vaccine for Dogs?
Vets use acronyms and abbreviations to help them notate your pet’s medical chart faster while maintaining accuracy. It’s also much easier to say “distemper-parvo vaccine” than to call it by its full name. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you understand the DHLPP vaccine for dogs.
Let’s start by breaking down the abbreviation. Each letter stands for the canine disease it prevents — Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. For most people, the disease names don’t mean a whole lot, so, we’ll give a brief overview of each.
Why is the DHLPP Vaccine So Important for Dogs?
The distemper-parvo combination vaccine is the most effective way to prevent contagious, potentially life-threatening disease in dogs and puppies. Without proper vaccination, your pup could suffer through painful sickness that can cost thousands in vet bills — and they might not even survive. Here is a quick summary of each disease and why it’s crucial to make sure your dog is protected:
D is for Distemper
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease affecting a dog’s respiratory (breathing), gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines), and nervous systems (brain, spinal cord, and nerves). It can cause fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. Distemper is particularly dangerous for puppies and can be fatal if not treated. Even with proper, emergency treatment, it can still be deadly (more so for puppies).
H is for Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus Type 1)
Canine hepatitis, caused by adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), primarily impacts the liver. Symptoms include fever, stomach pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Severe cases can lead to liver failure or death.
L is for Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis, or “lepto,” is a serious bacterial infection that can infect both dogs and humans (a zoonotic disease). It spreads through contaminated water or soil, which is tainted by the urine of diseased animals. This disease can damage the kidneys or liver and lead to symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and lethargy. In severe cases, Leptospirosis can be fatal. While the lepto vaccine might cause an allergic reaction in some dogs, the risk of not vaccinating is much greater.
P is for Parainfluenza
Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a respiratory virus that contributes to kennel cough. It’s highly contagious among dogs, especially in crowded environments like shelters. Dogs with parainfluenza typically develop a harsh, persistent cough and may experience more serious breathing issues. This is NOT the same as Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), which has a separate vaccine.
P is for Parvovirus
Parvovirus, “parvo,” is particularly common in puppies and causes severe damage to the intestines. Think of it like a bad sunburn where the skin peels. With parvo, the lining of the intestines peels away and causes bleeding. This leads to intense nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Dogs with parvo often become severely dehydrated and anemic (due to blood loss). Even with immediate care and hospitalization, parvo can be deadly.
What About DA2PP, DAPP, and DAP Vaccines for Dogs?
None of these vaccine variants protect against Leptospirosis. Since you now know how serious lepto can be, it’s important to ask your vet to ensure your dog is covered. The “A2” in DA2PP stands for Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2).
This virus is different from CAV-1, which causes hepatitis. CAV-2 mainly affects the airways and can contribute to kennel cough. Symptoms include coughing, nasal discharge, and fever. Vaccinating against CAV-2 also provides protection for CAV-1, covering both diseases with one shot.
Note: There’s one more common vaccine for dogs called NeoPar. This vaccine only protects against parvo and is often given to very young puppies by breeders or to abandoned puppies that don’t have the benefit of nursing to gain their mother’s antibodies (what your body uses to fight off disease).
For the most effective coverage, ask your vet to use a DA2LPP vaccine for your dog.
How Often Does My Dog Need the DHLPP vaccine?
Puppies require multiple rounds of vaccinations to ensure they’re fully protected. The goal is to vaccinate them while their mother’s antibodies are fading, though there’s no precise way to pinpoint when this happens. To cover all bases, vets follow a standard schedule based on extensive research.
Puppies should start their vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age, with booster shots given every 3–4 weeks until they are around 17–20 weeks old. The following table shows the recommended vaccine schedule for puppies:
| Age | Vaccine |
| 6-8 weeks | DA2PP |
| 9-12 weeks | DA2PP <12 weeks or DA2LPP</= 12 weeks |
| 13-16 weeks | DA2LPP |
| 17-20 weeks | DA2LPP |
For adult dogs that have never received a DA2LPP vaccine, two initial rounds should be administered 3–4 weeks apart. After that, the DA2PP vaccine can be given every 1–3 years. The Leptospirosis vaccine needs to be administered annually.
Shoot Your Shot: Vaccinate Your Dog
Ensuring your dog receives the DHLPP vaccine is a vital step in keeping them healthy and protected against serious diseases like distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Working with your veterinarian is essential for creating a tailored vaccination plan that meets your dog’s specific needs. Consider adding pet insurance to your care routine to help manage unexpected health expenses. Don’t wait — schedule a vet visit today to keep your dog safe from these terrible diseases.