A DHPP booster shot is a combination vaccine given to dogs to protect them from four dangerous diseases: distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus, as stated by Petco. When puppies are born, they get enough immunity to many diseases from the mother's milk that fades when they grow up.
Distemper is a viral disease characterized by flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose. This disease affects the respiratory system, central nervous system and gastrointestinal system. Distemper is incurable and often ends in death. Distemper is deadly and, therefore, considered as an essential vaccine for dogs. Hepatitis is a very serious viral disease that attacks the liver, kidneys and the eyes. Parainfluenza is a respiratory viral disease that causes coughing, fever, nasal discharge and respiratory infections. Parainfluenza is highly contagious. Parvovirus is a viral disease that causes infection to the intestines leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea.
The first dose of DHPP should be given to puppies at 6 to 8 weeks of age. The puppies should be vaccinated the second dose at the age of 9 to 12 weeks, the third dose at the age of 13 to 16 weeks, and the fourth dose should be administered at 15 to 16 months. Booster shots of DHPP are given annually.
