Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. Along with toys, food and a cosy bed, one of the first things your puppy needs is a proper vaccination plan. Puppies are born with some protection from their mother’s milk, but it fades in the first few weeks of life. Vaccines teach your puppy’s immune system to fight dangerous diseases that are still common in India, including parvovirus, distemper and rabies.
This guide explains the common puppy vaccination schedule followed in India. Every puppy is different, so always follow the exact schedule your vet recommends.
Common puppy vaccination schedule
| Puppy’s age | Vaccine | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | First DHPPi (often with Puppy DP) | Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza |
| 9-12 weeks | Second DHPPi + Leptospirosis (DHPPiL) | Same as above, plus leptospirosis |
| 12-16 weeks | Third DHPPiL + first Anti-Rabies | Same as above, plus rabies |
| As advised by vet | Anti-Rabies second dose | Rabies |
| Every year | DHPPiL booster + Anti-Rabies booster | Keeps protection strong for life |
Your vet may also suggest optional vaccines such as kennel cough or canine coronavirus, depending on your puppy’s lifestyle.
What each disease does
- Parvovirus causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. It spreads easily and is often fatal in unvaccinated puppies.
- Distemper attacks the lungs, stomach and nervous system. There is no cure, only supportive care.
- Hepatitis damages the liver and can be fatal.
- Leptospirosis spreads through contaminated water and rat urine, which is common during and after the monsoon. It can also infect humans.
- Rabies is always fatal once symptoms appear and can pass to humans. Rabies vaccination for dogs is required by law in many areas.
Do not forget deworming
Puppies often carry worms from birth. A common plan is deworming every two weeks until three months of age, then monthly until six months, and every three months after that. Your vet will advise the right product and dose for your puppy’s weight.
Keep your puppy safe until vaccinations are complete
Until your vet says the vaccination course is complete, avoid:
- Walking your puppy on streets, parks or areas where unknown dogs go
- Contact with unvaccinated dogs
- Crowded places like markets and dog gatherings
Play at home, invite vaccinated, healthy dogs for gentle playdates, and start basic training indoors.
Signs to watch for after vaccination
Mild tiredness, slight fever or a small swelling at the injection site for a day or two is normal. Contact a vet right away if your puppy has facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing or collapses after a vaccine.
Keep a vaccination record
Keep your puppy’s vaccination card safe. You will need it for grooming salons, boarding, travel and your puppy’s future health checks. Set a phone reminder for every booster date.
Book your puppy’s vaccination at Sandy’s Friends
At Sandy’s Friends in Shahdara, Delhi, we help pet parents keep their puppies and kittens protected with timely vaccinations. Book a vaccination appointment online, and pick up the right puppy food, toys and essentials while you are here.
This article is for general information. Always follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian.