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Understanding Vaccination Schedules for Puppies

Dr. Priya Rao

Dr. Priya Rao

Senior Veterinarian

Oct 08, 2023
7 min read
Understanding Vaccination Schedules for Puppies

A complete guide to puppy vaccinations in India. Learn which vaccines are core, when to give them, and why they matter for your pup's health.

Bringing home a new puppy is one of life's greatest joys. Those tiny paws, wagging tail, and innocent eyes can melt anyone's heart. But along with the cuddles and playtime comes a crucial responsibility: protecting your puppy from deadly diseases through proper vaccination.

Vaccinations are your puppy's first line of defense against serious, often fatal, diseases like Parvovirus, Distemper, and Rabies. Understanding the vaccination schedule can seem overwhelming for first-time pet parents, but we're here to make it simple.

Why Vaccinations Matter

Puppies are born with some immunity from their mother's milk, but this protection fades by 6-8 weeks of age. Without vaccines, they become vulnerable to viruses that can spread through contaminated surfaces, other dogs, or even your shoes.

Core Vaccines (Mandatory for All Puppies)

  • DHPPiL (5-in-1): Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis
  • Rabies: Legally mandatory in India, protects against the fatal Rabies virus

The Vaccination Timeline

6-8
weeks

First DHPPiL Shot

This is the foundation. Your puppy gets their first dose of the 5-in-1 vaccine.

10-12
weeks

Second DHPPiL Booster

Reinforces immunity. Critical for building long-term protection.

14-16
weeks

Third DHPPiL + Rabies

Final puppy shot for DHPPiL, plus the first Rabies vaccine (mandatory by law).

1
year

Annual Boosters

DHPPiL and Rabies boosters every year to maintain immunity.

Optional (But Recommended) Vaccines

Depending on your lifestyle and location, your vet may recommend:

  • Kennel Cough (Bordetella): If your dog will attend daycare or boarding facilities
  • Canine Influenza: For dogs in high-contact environments
💡

Pro Tip

Keep your puppy indoors and avoid contact with unknown dogs until 2 weeks after their final vaccination. This prevents exposure to diseases while their immune system is still developing.

At Pawfex, we follow international protocols and use only high-quality vaccines. We also provide a vaccination card and digital reminders so you never miss a booster. Your puppy's health is our priority!

Dr. Priya Rao

Written by Dr. Priya Rao

Senior Veterinarian

Our team of experienced veterinarians and pet care specialists is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information to help you give the best care to your furry family members.