What Is the DHPP Vaccine for Dogs?
DHPP is a combination vaccine that protects dogs against four viruses: Distemper, Hepatitis (canine adenovirus), Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. It is also written DAPP, DA2PP or, when leptospirosis is added, DHLPP or DA2LPP. Puppies get it every 2 to 4 weeks from 6–8 weeks until at least 16 weeks, then a booster a year later and every 3 years after that.
DHPP is the most important vaccine most dogs ever get. It combines protection against several serious viral diseases in one injection, and it forms the backbone of every puppy's vaccine series.
What the letters in DHPP mean
| Letter | Disease | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| D | Canine distemper | A virus that attacks the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems; often fatal |
| H (or A2) | Infectious canine hepatitis (canine adenovirus) | Liver disease; the vaccine uses adenovirus type 2, which also protects against type 1 |
| P | Canine parvovirus | Severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea; highly contagious and often fatal in puppies |
| P | Parainfluenza | One of the viruses behind kennel cough |
DHPP, DAPP, DA2PP, DHLPP: what's the difference?
They are different names for nearly the same vaccine:
- DHPP / DAPP / DA2PP: distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, parainfluenza. "A2" refers to adenovirus type 2.
- DAP: the same without parainfluenza.
- DHLPP / DA2LPP: the same plus Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease. Under AAHA's 2022 guidelines leptospirosis is now a core vaccine, so many clinics use the combination.
- "5-way" or "7-way": retail names for combinations; the number counts the diseases or strains covered.
The American Animal Hospital Association lists distemper, adenovirus-2 and parvovirus as core vaccines for all dogs, with parainfluenza optional within the combination.
DHPP schedule
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | First DHPP |
| Every 2–4 weeks | Repeat doses (at least 3 doses between 6 and 16 weeks) |
| 16 weeks or older | Final puppy dose |
| About 1 year later | Booster |
| Every 3 years | Adult boosters |
Adult dogs with no known vaccine history get two doses 2 to 4 weeks apart, then a booster within a year. See the full puppy shot schedule.
Why puppies need several doses
Puppies get antibodies from their mother's milk. These antibodies protect them at first but can also block a vaccine. Because nobody knows exactly when they fade in a given puppy, vets give a dose every few weeks until at least 16 weeks, when maternal antibodies are reliably gone. A puppy isn't fully protected until the series is complete.
How much does the DHPP vaccine cost?
Example clinic prices: $46 at one national clinic chain (2025) and $34 at a Minneapolis clinic whose price list ConsumerAffairs published. Shelters and vaccine clinics are often cheaper, and some events give it free. See how much dog vaccines cost.
Side effects
Most dogs have no reaction or a little soreness and tiredness for a day. Call your vet if you see facial swelling, hives, vomiting, trouble breathing or collapse after any vaccine; these are signs of an allergic reaction that needs prompt treatment.
Find veterinarians near you to start or update your dog's DHPP.
Sources
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.
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