If anything the Covid-19 pandemic showed us that vaccinations are crucial for well-being in today’s society. While we are certain to vaccinate ourselves, we must also take care of the inoculations of our beloved pets, especially dogs. Similar to humans, dogs have a schedule, and based on that vaccination is administered to puppies and adult dogs.
What is 5 in 1 Vaccine?
In the past, different vaccines were given to dogs for specific diseases. These were effective, but they required puppies to be taken to the vet frequently. Taking that into consideration, pharmaceutical companies combined 5 core vaccines (crucial for each dog) into one, which is easier to administer. Not only is it easier, but it has also minimized the veterinarian’s visits.
A 5 in 1 Vaccine
It is also referred to as DHPP, DAPP, or DA2PP, acronyms for Distemper (D), two types of adenovirus (A); hepatitis (H) and kennel cough, parainfluenza (P), and parvovirus (P). [1]PetMD
- Distemper: This is a grave disease in which a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems are attacked. In addition to that, dogs may also suffer from high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, watery discharge from the nose, and in extreme cases, it can lead to pneumonia, seizures, and even death. Even if an unvaccinated dog survives it, they are left with permanent brain damage. It spreads when puppies come in contact with infected dogs, via the placenta, or using the infected dog’s bedding.
- Hepatitis: Also, known as infectious canine hepatitis, this is contracted by urine and feces. This can severely infect a dog’s liver, and even if the initial infection is cleared it leaves the dog with permanent damage to the liver, kidneys, and even eyes.
- Kennel Cough: This is similar to common flu in humans. It occurs when a dog comes in contact with other infected dogs, and they may experience dry coughing with nasal discharge.
- Parainfluenza: It is very similar to kennel cough, as it surfaces as coughing and nasal discharge with a high fever.
- Parvovirus: An extremely contagious and fatal disease that requires immediate hospitalization and intensive care. This virus jeopardizes a dog’s gastrointestinal tract which leads to vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid fluid and protein loss.
One thing to keep in mind is that no known cure is available for these diseases. The only preventable measure is to vaccinate your dog.
5 in 1 Vaccine for Puppies Schedule
You don’t need to rush a puppy to the veterinarian as soon as it is born because, for the first month, no vaccination is administered to the puppy. At most, a puppy will be given deworming vaccination, 2 weeks after its birth. This 5 in 1 vaccine, is given after the age of 6 weeks, and their schedule is similar to how human babies are vaccinated.
- 6 to 8 Weeks: Once your puppy reaches the age of 6 or 8 weeks, they are ready for their first vaccination. Since this would be their first-ever vaccination against deadly diseases, puppies can have side effects such as fever, sluggishness, loss of appetite, or swelling along with severe effects like vomiting and diarrhea.
- 9 to 11 Weeks: Depending on your puppy’s previous inoculation schedule, you will need to bring your puppy to the veterinarians, either when they are 9 or 11 weeks old. This is an additional shot of DA2PP, which strengthens your puppy’s immune system.
- 12 to 14 Weeks: This one is an additional shot as well. These are given in such a manner to slowly build up the puppy’s immune system.
- 15 to 17 Weeks: This is the final shot of DA2PP that is given to the puppy at the age of 15 to 17 weeks.
After administrating DA2PP, your puppy receives the first dose of rabies vaccination at the age of 18 weeks.
Booster Shots
Once your puppy is given all of the 4 crucial inoculations, they do not require any DA2PP vaccine for at least a year. Then they are given a booster shot, this way puppy’s immune system memorizes the virus, and develops strong measures against it.
- 1 Year: After one year of the final DA2PP shot, your puppy is ready for its first booster shot. Some people argue that puppies only require this shot after 3 years, but according to veterinarians, it is safer to vaccinate your dog after a one-year mark.
- 3 Years: After the original booster shot, your puppy or dog by now, will only require additional booster shots every 3 years.
Side Effects of 5 in 1 Vaccine
Vaccines trigger an immune response, and in fact, this is how vaccines strengthen the immune system. It doesn’t matter what vaccine is given, your puppy will have some form of side effects, but it is important to know, what are some concerning side effects.
A puppy sleeping
Common Side Effects
- Lethargy
- Pain at the site of injection
Severe Side Effects
- Hives
- Face Swelling
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Fainting
Lethargy and some pain are common, this goes for any vaccination, even the ones for humans. However, if you notice any other effects call the veterinarian immediately.
