Introduction
A dog parent knows how important it is to maintain an appropriate dog vaccination schedule and how you can help your four-legged companion stay healthy and live long. In India, where dogs are often exposed to different climates, street dogs, and higher chances of viral diseases, sticking to a structured vaccination schedule for dogs becomes even more essential.
Vaccines not only protect your puppy or adult dog from deadly diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper but also safeguard public health. In fact, in India, a rabies vaccine schedule for dogs is legally required, and failing to follow it can put your pet and community at risk.
This blog will guide you through the step-by-step process of puppy and dog vaccinations in India with charts, PDFs, and common dog vaccination names so that you know when to vaccinate your furry friend and stay safe.
Why Vaccinations Are Important for Dogs
Vaccinations should be used as a protection against life threatening diseases. Puppies, much like human newborns, are not immune to infection so they have to fight it off slowly. A systematic dog vaccination schedule will provide immunity in a proper time to your puppy.
Benefits of following a dog vaccinations schedule:
- Prevents fatal diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus
- Enhances the immunity and prevents outbreaks
- Travel, adoption and licensing in India require the document.
- Ensures medical expenses over time are reduced due to absence of specialist remedial methods
Puppy Dog Vaccination Schedule in India
One of the most common questions pet parents ask is: “What is the right dog vaccine schedule puppy owners should follow?”
A puppy is to get shots as early as at 6-8 weeks of age. Early vaccine immunities allow your pup to be susceptible to diseases such as parvovirus, which is deadly and highly contagious.
Puppy Core Vaccines:
- DHPPiL – Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis
- Rabies Vaccine – Mandatory under Indian law
- Kennel Cough Vaccine – Recommended if your pup interacts with other dogs
Dog Vaccination Schedule Chart for Puppies
Below is a simple dog vaccination schedule chart for puppies in India:
Puppy Age | Vaccine Name | Notes |
6–8 Weeks | DHPPiL (1st shot) | Core vaccine |
9–10 Weeks | DHPPiL (2nd shot) | Booster |
11–12 Weeks | DHPPiL (3rd shot) + Kennel Cough (optional) | For protection in social settings |
12–14 Weeks | Rabies Vaccine (1st shot) | Mandatory in India |
16 Weeks | 9 in 1 Vaccine for Dogs | Covers multiple diseases |
6 Months | Booster dose | Based on vet’s advice |
This chart is a standard guideline. Always consult your vet for the exact puppy and dog vaccination schedule.
Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule
Once your dog turns one year old, the focus shifts from primary vaccines to booster shots.
Recommended adult dog vaccination schedule in India:
- Rabies Vaccine – Once every year or once every three years (depending on brand and state law)
- DHPPiL Booster – Yearly
- Kennel Cough Vaccine – Annually, especially if your dog visits dog parks or kennels
- Canine Influenza Vaccine – Optional but recommended in cities with frequent outbreaks
Maintaining an adult dog vaccination schedule ensures long-term immunity. Missing boosters can make your pet vulnerable again.
Key Vaccines Every Dog in India Needs
1. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Dogs
Rabies is a lethal illness that is also life-threatening to human beings. Rabies vaccination is required in India by the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act.
- Puppies: First rabies shot at 12–14 weeks
- Adults: Booster every 1–3 years, depending on vaccine type
- Mandatory for travel within and outside India
2. 9 in 1 Vaccine for Dogs Schedule
It is a combination vaccine that shields dogs against 9 very different diseases (parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis).
- First dose:16 weeks
- Booster annually needed
This is one of the Indian animal care recommendations that most vets suggest to combine it with your schedule of dog vaccination.
3. Kennel Cough Vaccine for Dogs and Puppies
The kennel cough is one of the most contagious diseases because it travels fast through the interaction of the dogs in boarding facilities, in training schools or even at pet shows.
- Puppies: Optional at 11–12 weeks
- Adults: Yearly booster if your dog frequently mingles with other dogs
Dog Vaccination Schedule PDF (Downloadable)
Most pet parents have difficulty remembering dates. To assist you, download a dog vaccination schedule pdf with the names of all vaccinations, dates, and reminders of the boosters.
Veterinarians tend to give out a certificate of vaccination which also serves as a record and a legal document. There are also printable vaccination trackers online.
FAQs
Q1: At what age should a puppy get its first vaccine?
A puppy should get its first vaccine (DHPPiL) at 6–8 weeks.
Q2: Is rabies vaccination mandatory in India?
Yes. Following the rabies vaccine schedule for dogs is compulsory by law.
Q3: What happens if I miss a dog vaccination?
Missing a vaccine can leave your dog vulnerable. Consult your vet immediately to restart the cycle.
Q4: How much does dog vaccination cost in India?
Costs range from ₹400–₹2,000 per vaccine, depending on brand and location.
Q5: Can I get a dog vaccination schedule pdf from my vet?
Yes, most vets provide vaccination charts or printable schedules.
Tips that Pet Parents Can implement concerning Vaccination Schedule
- Have a vaccination record card in hand-Most clinics in India will issue a vaccination booklet
- Do not miss out the booster shots; they are just as crucial as the initial shot
- Combining with deworming – Before vaccination, deworming is essential
- Observation of Monitor after shots Compare mild fever, swelling or fatigue in some dogs
Discuss with The vet frequently -Your vet might modify your canines vaccination schedule based on regional taxonomies or health concerns
Conclusion
A proper dog vaccination schedule in India is also about good community health as well and not just about protecting your pet. Vaccinations prevent the loss of lives as diseases such as rabies still exist.
Whether one considers a dog vaccination schedule puppy owners should use or an adult dog vaccination schedule, there should be consistency. Whether it is the rabies vaccine schedule of dogs or the 9 in 1 dog vaccine schedule, each shot is important.
Keep a vaccination record in hand, use dog vaccination schedule PDF copy, and consult the vet. Your furry friend is relying on you to provide a safe, happy and healthy life.
