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The DAPP vaccine — shorthand for “distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus” — is a core vaccine that provides your puppy or adult dog protection against highly contagious, incurable viruses.1 It typically costs $20 to $60 per dose.2 Puppies receive a series of doses and adult dogs get a booster every 1 to 3 years.1
Let’s take a closer look at the viruses the DAPP dog vaccine protects against, when your dog should get it, and a breakdown of the costs.
The DAPP vaccine, also called the DHPP vaccine or DA2PP dog vaccine, protects against five highly contagious viruses: distemper, hepatitis, kennel cough, dog flu, and parvovirus.1 It works by training your puppy’s immune system to create antibodies for these viruses, so when they come into contact with them later, they’re prepared to fight them off effectively.
Vets recommend you avoid bringing your puppy to dog parks or other public places until they’re fully vaccinated. This way they don’t come into contact with these contagious viruses until their immune systems are prepared to fight back.
Here’s a breakdown of the five viruses the DHPP dog vaccine protects against and why they’re considered dangerous.
Canine distemper affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It’s often spread through sneezing or coughing, but it can also be transmitted on surfaces.
Common symptoms include:3
Treatment includes supportive care, but there’s no definitive cure. Many cases of distemper lead to irreparable damage to nervous systems and can be fatal.3,4
But the distemper vaccine, which is part of the dog DAPP vaccine, can help protect your pup.
Infectious canine hepatitis (caused by canine adenovirus) is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. The virus is transmitted through an infected dog’s urine, nose discharge, or eye discharge.
Common symptoms include:4
There’s no specific cure — rather, a vet may provide supportive care and try to treat any secondary infections. Severe cases may be fatal.4
The second adenovirus is one of many causes of kennel cough. This respiratory disease can be caused by a handful of viruses, including Bordetella bronchiseptica. Kennel cough is generally prevalent in tight spaces with many dogs, hence the name. It’s spread through the air as well as on surfaces.
Common symptoms include:5
Mild cases resolve on their own, but if symptoms persist, you may need to take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out other causes.5
Canine parainfluenza is another virus that can cause kennel cough. Not to be confused with canine influenza, parainfluenza is highly contagious and spreads easily, most commonly via respiratory secretions and contaminated surfaces.6
Common symptoms include:6
While most dogs will kick the flu naturally, some cases may develop pneumonia — which is why getting the canine influenza vaccine may help protect your dog from a more serious illness.6
Parvo is a dangerous disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies. The virus is usually transmitted through infected poop, but anything can become contaminated. It’s a stubborn virus that can live on surfaces for months and up to a year outdoors.7
Common symptoms include:7
There’s no cure, but your vet will likely recommend antibiotics and supportive care to combat dehydration as the virus runs its course. It should be noted that many cases of parvo could be fatal, but it can be prevented by ensuring your pet is up to date on their parvo vaccine.7
The DAPP vaccine typically costs between $20 to $60 per dose — depending on your location and veterinarian.2 As a core vaccine, this cost is necessary and can be well worth the investment.
MetLife Pet can help cover the cost of vaccines with our optional Preventive Care add-on.
The DAPP vaccine is recommended for puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs. For puppies, it’s administered as a series of shots throughout their first 16 weeks, and then as a booster throughout a dog’s adult life.1
Puppies should get their first vaccination dose when they’re 6 to 8 weeks old, then a dose every 2 to 4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks. Adult dogs should get a booster dose 1 year after the initial vaccination series, then every 1 to 3 years.1
The DAPP vaccine, like any other vaccine, may have some side effects. However, it’s important for pet parents to know the difference between common side effects and an allergic reaction. If your pet is having an allergic reaction, it may be considered a medical emergency.8
Common side effects:8
Potential signs of an allergic reaction:8
While our dog insurance policy can help cover eligible costs for injuries and illnesses, our optional Preventive Care plan can be added to your policy for routine cost coverage. Pet health expenses — such as parasite prevention and treatment, as well as vaccinations like the DAPP vaccine for dogs — can be covered up to your selected benefit limit under this add-on depending on your reimbursement option.9
MetLife Pet Insurance can help with both the unexpected veterinary bills and the routine care. Get a free quote today!
