Do dogs need DAP? A Step-by-Step Guide

Kennel Cough and Flu Vaccinations (Bordetella Bronchiseptica, Canine Parainfluenza Virus, Canine Influenza Virus-H3N8 and Canine Influenza Virus-H3N2)

Kennel cough can have a variety of causes, including Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, parainfluenza virus, and/or adenovirus type-2. Canine flu, on the other hand, is only caused by influenza viruses, the two most common of which in dogs are influenza virus-H3N8 and influenza virus-H3N2. Infection with all of these microorganisms results in similar symptoms, including coughing, labored breathing, fever, decreased appetite, fever and nasal discharge.

Dogs who are stressed or regularly visit dog parks, daycares or boarding facilities especially are vulnerable to kennel cough and canine flu.

Vaccination schedules depend on the type of vaccine given and patient-specific parameters. For example, intranasal Bordetella vaccines can be given to puppies as young as 3-4 weeks of age and are effective after a single dose, while two doses of canine influenza vaccines are given 2-4 weeks apart in dogs 6-8 weeks of age or older. Annual boosters for all of these vaccines usually are recommended if the dog remains at significant risk of infection.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. Dogs generally come into contact with Leptospira when engaging in water-related activities near where infected animals have urinated. Leptospirosis can spread from animals to humans.

Once in the body, Leptospira bacteria can cause poor appetite, digestive upset, fever, conjunctivitis and kidney and/or liver failure.

Leptospirosis vaccines offer only partial protection against the disease, and depending on where you live or travel, your dog’s risk of coming in contact with the bacteria may be low. It’s more prevalent in warm, rainy climates. If needed, your veterinarian will administer two initial vaccines 2-4 weeks apart, and annual boosters.

Lyme disease is a tick-transmitted illness that can result in swollen lymph nodes, arthritis and sometimes kidney disease. In order for ticks to transmit Lyme disease, they must be attached to the dog for generally 36 to 48 hours. Not all dogs develop observable symptoms when infected.

Geography is a major consideration with this vaccine, as Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and along the Pacific coast. Tick prevention is the best defense against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. If your dog is at very high risk of infection, your veterinarian will give two vaccines 2-4 weeks apart, plus annual boosters.

Other dog vaccinations are available. For example, a rattlesnake vaccine can be given to dogs living in areas with a large western diamondback rattlesnake population who are at high risk for being bitten. A vaccine against canine coronavirus is produced but generally is not recommended since the disease the virus causes is mild and occurs in very young puppies before vaccines usually are given.

Adenovirus or Canine Hepatitis is spread through saliva, infected urine or feces. Symptoms are similar to distemper and this disease causes liver failure and damage to the eyes.

Puppies should receive 3 sets of vaccines during the first 4 months of their life, ideally starting at 8 weeks of age. During the first 4 months, a puppy typically receives a DAP, Rabies, Bordetella and/or Lyme vaccination.

“I just got a new puppy! When does she need to come in for her 1st set of vaccines, and what does she need to be vaccinated against?”

This vaccine is not administered before 7 to 8 weeks of age due to the natural antibodies your pup received from her mother at birth. If given too early, those antibodies will fight off the vaccine rendering it useless. Your puppy’s natural immunity begins to diminish between 6 to 12 weeks of age. We suggest a series of 3 DAP vaccines to be administered by your veterinarian at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. Your puppy will require a DAP booster 1 year later when she is around 16 months of age and then every 3 years after that but re-vaccination will vary depending on her age, lifestyle and risk of exposure.

Parvovirus is extremely debilitating, widespread and very contagious among puppies. Mostly affecting the very young or immune compromised, parvovirus is spread through infected feces and can remain in the environment for many years. This disease also comes with a high fatality rate and treatment can be long and difficult. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, vomiting and severe diarrhea.

DAP Vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus and Parvovirus)

The DAP combination shot immunizes dogs against canine distemper, canine adenovirus type 2 and canine parvovirus. All three diseases are serious and highly contagious.

  • Distemper: This viral disease attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems as well as the skin. Symptoms include lethargy, runny eyes and nose, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, thickened skin on the nose and footpads, coughing, difficulty breathing, seizures and paralysis.
  • Adenovirus type-2: The canine adenovirus type 2 vaccine defends against a potentially fatal form of liver disease as well as a type of kennel cough.
  • Parvovirus: Parvovirus results in vomiting, diarrhea, bone marrow suppression and, in some cases, heart failure. With severe infections, death is likely without aggressive treatment.
  • The initial DAP vaccine should be given to puppies when they are 6-8 weeks of age. Boosters are given every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 16-20 weeks old. These boosters are essential or the immunity provided via the mother’s milk may render the vaccinations useless. An additional DAP booster at 1 year of age also is needed.

    After this point, the immunity provided by the vaccine lasts for at least three years in most cases. Boosters can be given on a three-year schedule, or vaccine titers (a check of distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus antibody levels) can be run and the vaccine given as needed. At this time, most regulatory agencies do not accept a rabies vaccine titer as a substitute for vaccination.

    Dog Vaccines I Regret Car Vaccination Rant!

    Wondering about the difference between core vaccines and non-core vaccines? Our vets in Farmington Hills share the facts, along with a dog vaccination schedule.

    Dog vaccinations are essential to helping your pet live a long, happy and healthy life. Vaccinate your pooch and youll protect her from serious conditions, illnesses or potentially fatal diseases that dogs are often vulnerable to.

    Today, well list which vaccines dogs need and share a typical dog vaccination schedule. Please ask your veterinarian about the dog vaccinations your pooch will need.

    These lifestyle vaccines are considered optional and administered based on numerous factors, including your pets lifestyle and geographic location. Many non-core vaccines protect your pet against illnesses that are highly contagious or potentially life-threatening diseases.

    To identify which lifestyle vaccines your dog should receive, your vet will assess a few factors, including: