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The letter "D" in DHPP
stands for distemper, which is a highly contagious viral disease that
can affect multiple organs including the brain, skin, eyes, intestinal
and respiratory tracts of dogs. It can be transmitted through the bodily
fluids of infected animals, including respiratory secretions. Due to its
airborne nature, the virus can quickly infect dog populations in kennels
or breeding facilities. The widespread use of the vaccine has
contributed to a significant decline in the incidence of distemper
infection throughout the
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Infectious Canine Hepatitis,
or Canine Adenovirus Type 1, is primarily a disease of the liver
transmitted through the bodily fluids of infected animals. The corneas
of infected animals may appear cloudy or bluish, leading to the
expression "hepatitis blue-eye" used to describe the unfortunate dog.
Although there is no treatment for an infected dog, the disease can be
prevented though routine DHPP vaccinations.
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Parvovirus is a common and
often deadly disease of the gastrointestinal tract seen most frequently
in unvaccinated puppies. The highly contagious virus is spread through
contaminated stool, or through contact with an environment in which the
virus is present. Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting
and severe, malodorous diarrhea. The DHPP vaccination is the most
effective way to prevent the occurrence of parvovirus infection in dogs.
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Canine Parainfluenza
represents the final "P" in DHPP, and is the least serious of the
diseases against which it protects. It is a highly contagious viral
disease that irritates the respiratory tracts of infected dogs, causing
dry, unproductive coughing. Its symptoms resemble those of bordetella,
commonly known as kennel cough, and can be easily spread between
animals. Although no vaccine is 100 percent effective, the regular
administration of the DHPP vaccine is an excellent method of protection
against these five common canine diseases.