What is the DAPP Vaccine for Dogs? Cost, Side Effects, and More.

Vaccinating your furry friends is important to safeguard them from many devastating diseases and viruses. A puppy is given a series of vaccinations within the initial weeks of age, with one crucial vaccine being DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 (Hepatitis), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza).

The doses of DAPP vaccines are scheduled from the initial weeks after birth and continue through different stages of life, ensuring a strong immune system.
The DAPP vaccine for dogs is injected to protect them from canine distemper and other fatal diseases. Here, we’ll discuss this vaccine's costs, schedule, side effects, and more. So, let’s dive in.

DAPP Vaccine for Dogs: What It is?

Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2 (Hepatitis), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza or DAPP vaccines protect dogs from devastating and highly contagious diseases.
Like yearly dog vaccines, this vaccine is injected to strengthen the immune system and activate the antibodies for the fatal viruses. As a result, when the canine breed is exposed to certain viruses, the puppy’s immune system effectively fights them back..
DAPP vaccine can protect dogs from the following diseases:

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)

This is a highly contagious virus that can lead to neurological disorders, heart failure, behavioral changes, and other system failures in the body. Canine distemper can spread from direct contact with the infected dogs, sneezing or coughing, and interacting with the infected canine’s fluid.
The symptoms of this virus include:

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Eye discharge
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Paralysis

While humans aren’t susceptible to canine distemper, they can carry the virus if they touch the infected dog. Hence, proper precautions should be taken when treating the infected dogs. This disease is one of the devastating viruses that has no medical cure, but with early vaccinations and proper treatment, some dogs with stronger immune systems can recover.

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza is also known as dog flu. This contagious virus can be transferred via direct contact with infected dogs or exposure to containment surfaces. The virus primarily targets the respiratory system of dogs. The symptoms of this disease include;

• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Coughing.

Most cases of canine influenza are mild but can severely affect puppies or dogs with weak immune systems.
Getting the DAPP vaccine for dogs and adequate hygiene practices can help prevent this virus's spread.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is also a highly contagious viral dog disease. CPV usually attacks young puppies with weak immune systems and unvaccinated dogs. This virus usually attacks the cells actively growing or dividing, like the cells in the intestines or bone marrow, leading to severe illnesses. The symptoms of CPV include;

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration

DAPP vaccines and preventive measures can help in avoiding this virus. Early detection and proper treatment are important in fighting off the CPV. Hence, immediately seek medical help if you notice these virus symptoms.

Canine Adenovirus Type 1

Canine adenovirus type 1 is also known as CAV-1. This virus belongs to infectious canine hepatitis (ICH). Unvaccinated dogs or young puppies with weak immune systems are susceptible to this virus. In addition to that, puppies of 2 weeks of age are at higher risk, with more than 50% of the fatality rate.
It primarily attacks the liver, respiratory system, and kidneys. The virus can easily spread through infected contaminants, urine, saliva, sneezing droplets, and feces. Symptoms of CAV-1 include:

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Canine Adenovirus Type 2

The counterpart of CAV-1, Canine adenovirus type 2 or CAV-2, is generally less fetal than CAV-1. This contagious virus can be easily transferred through direct physical contact or interaction with containment materials and fluids. CAV-2 is associated with kennel cough problems.
The virus leads to milder respiratory symptoms, like;

• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Coughing

However, if left untreated, it can also develop pneumonia. Regular checkups and injecting DAPP vaccines into your dogs can help overcome or avoid this fatal disease.

Hepatitis

CAV-1 primarily causes hepatitis in dogs. However, other health factors, or CAV-2, can also cause hepatitis. This virus attacks the liver and can lead to various symptoms, including:

• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Liver failure.

This virus is dangerous and should be treated effectively; otherwise, liver failure may lead to the death of your furry friend. DAPP vaccines can also save your dog from this disease.

Side Effects & Risks of DAPP

The DAPP vaccine for dogs is highly effective, but it comes with minor side effects, which include:

• Soreness in the injected area
• Temporary lethargy
• Mild fever
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting

Apart from these mild side effects, your dog might show allergic reactions like itching, hives, or abnormal breathing. In this case, it is important to contact an expert veterinarian immediately.

DAPP Vaccine Schedule

A puppy receives its first dose of vaccination when it is around 6 or 8 weeks old. After this, booster shots are given after 2-4 weeks until it reaches the age of 16-20 weeks. Another booster is also injected at the age of 1 year.

What’s the Cost of a DAPP Vaccine for Dogs?

The average cost of the DAPP vaccine is $20 to $50.

Conclusion

The DAPP vaccines are effective doses that can prevent your dogs from highly contagious diseases. It’s important to consider an expert veterinarian to get DAPP vaccines for your dogs.
Apart from that, taking a few precautions like minimizing exposure to infected public places, adequate hygiene for a better immune system, and daily grooming to promote a clean environment are also important. You can protect your furry friend from viral diseases with all these precautions and vaccinations.

FAQs

1. Do dogs need DAPP every year?

Yes. DAPP vaccines should be given to dogs annually to protect them from canine distemper, CAV-1, CAV-2, canine parvovirus, and other fatal virus diseases.

1. What shots do dogs need?

Your dog would need vaccinations for canine distemper, rabies, parvovirus, CAV-1 & 2, and other diseases. These vaccinations protect the canine breed from deadly diseases.

1. How much do puppy shots cost?

Depending on the vaccination type, puppy shots can range from $20 to $50. This average price might increase or decrease.