When is the DA2PP vaccination given to dogs?
The DA2PP vaccine is one of the most critical vaccinations for dogs, especially puppies. If possible this vaccine should be started at 6 weeks of age. It will then be given every 4 weeks until he or she is at least 16 weeks old. After your pet completes the puppy series and comes back the following year for this vaccine, it will be given every 3 years. Adult dogs without a known history of vaccinations need two vaccines approximately one year apart then they can also receive it on a 3 year basis.
What diseases are vaccinated for with a DA2PP vaccination?
The DA2PP vaccination protects dogs against distemper virus, parvovirus, canine adenovirus types 1 and 2, and parainfluenza Virus
What is the Distemper Virus?
This virus is commonly seen in puppies and younger dogs who are not current on vaccinations. It attacks the central nervous system (brain), the respiratory system, and the intestinal system. Coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and death are commonly seen when dogs are infected. It is spread by airborne droplets after coughing or sneezing, contact with nasal or eye secretions, and contact with the feces or urine of infected dogs. Treatment is based on supportive care such as fluid therapy to maintain hydration and antibiotics to treat and prevent secondary infections.
What is the Parvo Virus?
“Parvo”, as it is called, is likely the most notorious and commonly known infectious disease in dogs. Of the diseases covered by DA2PP, it is the one most frequently seen at our hospital. This virus attacks the intestinal system causing diarrhea, improper absorption of nutrients, and extreme dehydration. Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite are the most commonly seen symptoms. A quick, accurate, and relatively inexpensive fecal test is available at SBVH. Untreated dogs have a poor prognosis, often resulting in death. Hospitalization and treatment do not always result in survival, and the cost of treatment is commonly thousands of dollars.
What is Canine Adenovirus type 1 and 2?
Canine adenovirus type 1 is the virus which causes infectious canine hepatitis. This infection is spread by saliva, nasal secretions, feces, urine, or blood coming into contact with the mouth of nose of a dog. The disease results in an acute infection of the liver. Symptoms include fever, depression, loss of appetite and painful abdomen. Bleeding disorders may also develop. Although infected dogs usually make full recoveries given time and medical support, permanent eye and kidney lesions may result. Canine adenovirus type 2 is a viral contributor to the disease known as kennel cough. Please see the tab on Kennel Cough to better understand this multifactorial disease.
What is the Parainfluenza virus?
This highly contagious virus is also a contributor to the disease known as kennel cough. Please see the tab on kennel cough to better understand this multifactorial disease.