Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Can DHPP vaccine cause autoimmune issues or reactions in dogs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | 7 years and 9 months old

Hi, Cruz has his annual tomorrow. He always gets wellness testing and the HW/Lyme test with his exam. In the past I've done titre testing. But, was considering getting him the DHPP vaccine 1 more time (I am concerned about over vaccinating). He will be 8 in a few months and has been vaccinated for DHPP at least 4 times in his life. But, since I haven't gotten him the DHPP in a few years I'm worried about a reaction or triggering an autoimmune issue. Can you please tell me what the risks are?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on January 22nd, 2019

Vaccines are generally well tolerated by dogs and vaccine reaction rates are very low. If he has had the vaccine before without any issue, then it is unlikely that he will have a problem this time around (but it is not impossible).
Definitely titer testing will tell you if the vaccine is needed and is a good idea if vaccine reactions have occurred in the past or if it makes you uncomfortable. In the US, most adult dogs will get the DHPP vaccine every 3 years once they finish the puppy series.
Lasltly, some dogs will get an injection of diphenhydramine 15 minutes prior to a vaccine to decrease the potential for a reaction.
Vaccine reactions include vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, hives, collapse (anaphylactic reaction) and can triggger autoimmune conditions. The vast majority of vaccine reactions are the less serious form. If you pet has a history of any autoimmune condition, you should discuss if vaccinations are appropriate for him.
I hope this answers your questions. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog had no DAPP reaction. Will future vaccine doses be safe?

You are correct. Usually if they are going to have a vaccine reaction it happens when they receive their first one. If they are giving leptospirosis this time or another vaccination such as for Lyme disease or influenza then a reaction is always possible. In general vaccine reactions are quite uncommon and usually mild. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luke.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Are multiple vaccines safe for my small dog? What are the risks?

For small dogs, I generally do recommend to separate vaccines by a few weeks. This will decrease the chances of a vaccine reaction. You can also give the pups diphenhydramine prior to the vaccines to further decrease reaction rates. Definitely discuss these options with your veterinarian. Possible side effects of vaccines are vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, lethargy and collapse. If your pups exhibit any of these afterwards, be sure to have them seen immediately. The vast majority of pets are fine with vaccines however and reactions are rare. Most vets vaccinate based up risks associated with life style and the diseases found in your area. I recommend to have a conversation about risk factors for your pups but I suspect they are present if your vet is recommending these vaccines. Clear communication however is always best. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Should my puppy get DHLPP and rabies vaccines together or separate?

You can do either. Many pets are given all those vaccines at once and they do fine but you are correct that this does increase the likelihood of a vaccine reaction. If you want to be cautious, then separating the vaccines by a week is a good idea. It's never hurts to be cautious. I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy got one DHPP shot. Does he need a full vaccine series?

The first vaccination by now will have lost all effectivity. So you are starting basically from the beginning. Your puppy will need three courses of DHPP as a basic core course of vaccinations. It will also need a rabies shot. These will need a booster after one year and then he will only need vaccinations every three years. If you only vaccinate once, the body will not make the specific antibodies necessary for the viral diseases covered, but will only initiate a general immune response. Only the second and third course will then entice the body's immune system to make specific antibodies. Vaccines are given in 2-3 week intervals.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What dog vaccines are core? Do dogs need DPP, Lepto, or Lyme?

Leptospirosis spp vaccine is not a core vaccine and should only be given if necessary, i.e. if your dog has access to water (ponds, ditches, rivers, etc.) where rats may live and urinate in the water. DPP is vaccine against distemper, distemper, hepatitis (canine adenovirus-2 and -1), parvovirus, and parainfluenza., parvovirus, and parainfluenza and is one of the necessary core vaccines. It would be better to also include vaccination against hepatitis (canine adenovirus-2 and -1). Lyme vaccine is also a non-core vaccine ans should only be given if called for in your area. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you more specifically.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is my senior dog who's never had shots too old to get vaccinated?

No, he isn't too old to be vaccinated. A rabies vaccine can be given and boosted in 1 year, then every 3 years. The distemper/parvovirus combination (DHPP) can be given, then boosted in 4 weeks. After that, it can be yearly or every 3 years depending on the vaccine. Other vaccines, given based on risk of exposure, include Bordatella, Leptospirosis, Lyme and Canine Influenza. Discuss these as well as monthly heartworm, parasite, flea and tick preventatives. Consider having Fatty neutered as well.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is my dog's vaccine with leptospirosis the same as DHPP? Is it safe?

DHPP does not contain leptospirosis, so that is the difference. Leptospirosis is an infection of bacterial spirochetes, and it is zoonotic meaning it can be passed to humans. It will also make your dog extremely sick. Yes the vaccine is safe, and it's highly recommended to give it to your dog to prevent her from getting this horrible diseases. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share