Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but also comes with responsibility—especially when it comes to your pup’s health.One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to give them the right Vaccinations for Puppies at the right time. Vaccines protect puppies from dangerous diseases that are common in India.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why vaccines are important
- Which vaccines your puppy needs in India
- The vaccination schedule from 6 weeks to 1 year
- Estimated costs
- Tips to make the process easy
Let’s get started.
🐾 Why Are Puppy Vaccinations Important?
Puppies are born with some immunity from their mother. But this fades within a few weeks. After that, they are at risk of catching deadly diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies.
Vaccines train the puppy’s immune system to fight these diseases before they become serious. A few small injections can save your puppy’s life.
Vaccinations are also required by law in India (like rabies) and help prevent outbreaks in your community.
💉 Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines
There are two types of vaccines:
✅ Core Vaccines (Essential for All Puppies):
These are mandatory for every dog in India.
| Vaccine Name | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| DHPP/DHLPP | Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis |
| Rabies | Rabies virus (fatal to both animals and humans) |
🟡 Non-Core Vaccines (Optional Based on Risk):
These depend on your puppy’s lifestyle, area, and vet’s advice.
| Vaccine | Protects Against |
|---|---|
| Kennel Cough (Bordetella) | Highly contagious respiratory disease |
| Coronavirus | Affects intestines (not COVID-19) |
| Lyme Disease | Tick-borne illness (less common in India) |
| Canine Influenza | Not very common in India |
📅 Puppy Vaccination Schedule in India (Week-by-Week)
Here’s a standard vaccination timeline for puppies in India:
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | 1st DHPP (Parvo + Distemper combo) | Start of core vaccines |
| 9-10 weeks | 2nd DHPP | Booster shot |
| 11-12 weeks | 3rd DHPP + Optional Coronavirus | Final core booster |
| 12 weeks | Rabies (mandatory by law) | First rabies vaccine |
| 14-16 weeks | Optional: Bordetella, Lyme, etc. | Based on vet advice |
| 6 months | Deworming & check-up | Not a vaccine, but important |
| 12 months | DHPP + Rabies Booster | Annual boosters begin |
🩺 Tip: Deworming is also essential and often starts at 15 days of age. Repeat every 2 weeks till 3 months, then monthly.
💰 Puppy Vaccination Cost in India (2025 Estimates)
The cost of puppy vaccinations can vary by city, vet clinic, and brand. Here’s a rough idea:
| Vaccine | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| DHPP (each shot) | ₹500 – ₹1,200 |
| Rabies | ₹300 – ₹600 |
| Coronavirus | ₹400 – ₹700 |
| Kennel Cough | ₹500 – ₹800 |
| Deworming (each dose) | ₹100 – ₹300 |
| Vet Consultation | ₹300 – ₹800 |
💵 Total for Year 1 (including boosters):
₹3,000 to ₹6,000 (on average)
While it may seem costly, it’s a small price to keep your puppy healthy and safe.
🏥 Where to Get Your Puppy Vaccinated in India
You can get your puppy vaccinated at:
- Private veterinary clinics
- Government veterinary hospitals (cheaper, sometimes free)
- NGOs or pet welfare centers (low-cost drives)
Make sure the vet gives you a vaccination certificate/booklet after each shot. Keep this safe—it may be needed for travel, boarding, or licensing.
🩺 How to Prepare for a Vet Visit
Here’s how to make the vaccination visit stress-free:
- Carry your puppy in a safe carrier
- Don’t feed a heavy meal just before the visit
- Bring a towel or blanket
- Keep treats to reward your puppy
- Bring a list of questions for the vet
After vaccination, your puppy might be a little sleepy or have mild swelling. This is normal and goes away in a day or two.
If your puppy has vomiting, trouble breathing, or swelling on the face—see the vet immediately.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. At what age should I start vaccinating my puppy in India?
A: The first vaccine (DHPP) should be given at 6 to 8 weeks of age.
Q2. What if I miss a vaccine date?
A: Contact your vet immediately. They may restart the schedule or give a booster to keep your puppy protected.
Q3. Is the rabies vaccine compulsory in India?
A: Yes. Rabies is fatal and required by law for all dogs in India.
Q4. Can I vaccinate my puppy at home?
A: It is strongly recommended to get vaccines from a licensed vet. Improper handling can make the vaccine useless or harmful.
Q5. Do Indian breeds like Indie dogs need vaccinations too?
A: Yes. All dogs—regardless of breed—need the same basic vaccinations.
Q6. How often do dogs need boosters?
A: After the first year, most core vaccines like DHPP and Rabies need annual or triennial boosters, depending on the vet’s advice.
🐶 Tips to Make Puppy Vaccination Easier
- Be calm and gentle—puppies pick up on your emotions
- Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise)
- Visit the vet regularly—not just for vaccines, but for growth check-ups
- Track all dates on a puppy health record
- Avoid dog parks or unknown dogs until vaccinations are complete
📋 Puppy Vaccination Tracker Template (Printable Idea)
You can create a small chart like this to keep on your fridge or notebook:
| Vaccine | Date Given | Next Due Date | Vet Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHPP #1 | |||
| DHPP #2 | |||
| DHPP #3 | |||
| Rabies | |||
| Deworming |
Let me know if you’d like a downloadable PDF version of this chart.
🐾 Final Words: Protect Your Puppy, One Shot at a Time
Your puppy is counting on you for safety and health. Vaccinations are one of the most important gifts you can give your dog—protection against illness, a long life, and peace of mind.
✅ Follow the schedule
✅ Consult your vet
✅ Track the shots
✅ Keep your puppy social, happy, and loved
With just a few visits to the vet, you’re building the foundation for a healthy life together.