What diseases are included in the 5-in-1 vaccination?
The 5-in-1 puppy vaccination is so-called because it covers against five core diseases that are associated with severe illness or even death. These five diseases are:
Canine Distemper is a severe disease that affects the nervous system, lungs, skin, intestines, and other areas. It causes symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, fever, and runny eyes and nose, but can also cause changes to the paw pads and nails. It progresses quickly and often causes seizures, paralysis, and death. Sadly, those who survive often have life-long symptoms.
Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus 1 and 2)
Canine Adenovirus is responsible for two components of the 5-in-1 vaccine. Canine Adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) causes Canine Infectious Hepatitis. It primarily affects the liver but can also affect the kidneys and commonly causes liver failure, kidney failure, and death. For dogs who manage to fight the infection, the damage to the liver and other organs is often irreversible.
Canine Adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is generally less severe than CAV-1, and rather than affecting the liver, it tends to affect the airways. CAV-2 is one of the viruses responsible for Kennel Cough, also known as Canine Infectious Tracheitis. Kennel Cough typically causes a distinctive dry, hacking cough and rarely spreads from the trachea to the lungs. The vast majority of cases are well again after two to four weeks.
Dogs and puppies who have Parvovirus suffer from profuse, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. The diarrhea is often so severe that the lining of the intestines can be seen within the feces. Affected dogs tend to deteriorate quickly, becoming dehydrated and hypothermic, until they experience organ failure and death. There is no cure, but intensive supportive treatment like a drip, pain relief, antibiotics, and gut protectors can sometimes lead to recovery. Unfortunately, around fifty percent of infected dogs will not recover.
Parainfluenza virus is another of the viral causes of Kennel Cough. Because Kennel Cough is so contagious, spreading quickly between dogs, it is sensible to vaccinate against it. Although not all causes of Kennel Cough are contained in the 5-in-1 shot, the vaccination will still cause a reduction in symptoms.
The Advantages of The DHPP Vaccine for Dogs
The advantages of the vaccine greatly outweigh any risk. For one, the dog in question is protected from distemper, both forms of adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Additionally, it helps raise herd immunity, decreasing the risk of catching or spreading any diseases mentioned earlier throughout the entire dog population.
Another advantage of the 5-in-1 shot is that the dog will only need to be poked once. It can also be combined with other shots, such as leptospirosis, furthering the protection given to the dog.
The 5-in-1 shot also has the backing of many research studies. This ensures its safety.
How to give a 5 in 1 shot to a puppy at home
It’s the one thing you’re really not looking forward to with your new puppy: puppy shots.
Nobody wants to see their pet suffer, and we all know getting stuck with a needle is no fun. But puppy vaccines can literally save your dog’s life so, while they aren’t a party, puppy shots are indeed necessary if you want to set your dog up for a lifetime of good health.
Not every puppy is going to need every vaccine, and some ‘high risk’ puppies may need a more intense and aggressive vaccination program. Quite a lot depends on:
However, per the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is a generally agreed upon ‘best practices’ protocol for puppy vaccines.
