Bringing a puppy home is an exciting time, but keeping them healthy is a big responsibility. One of the most important ways to protect your puppy in India is by giving them the right vaccinations. Vaccines help your puppy fight off dangerous diseases that are common in India, like parvovirus and distemper.
In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about essential vaccinations for puppies in India in simple, easy-to-understand words. This user-friendly guide is designed to help new pet owners and is optimized to rank high on Google.
By the end of this post, you’ll learn:
- Why vaccinations are important for puppies
- The essential vaccines every puppy needs in India
- The puppy vaccination schedule
- Costs of vaccines in India
- Common side effects and how to handle them
- Tips to keep your puppy healthy
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Let’s get started!
Why Are Vaccinations Important for Puppies?
Puppies are born with weak immune systems, which means they can easily get sick from viruses and bacteria. Vaccinations are like training for your puppy’s immune system. They teach the body to fight off dangerous diseases without making your puppy sick. In India, where diseases like parvovirus and rabies are common, vaccines are a must to keep your puppy safe.
Here’s why vaccinations are so important:
- Prevent Deadly Diseases: Many diseases, like distemper and parvo, can kill puppies if they’re not vaccinated.
- Protect Other Dogs: Vaccinated puppies are less likely to spread diseases to other dogs, including strays.
- Save Money: Vaccines are much cheaper than treating serious illnesses, which can cost thousands of rupees.
- Keep Humans Safe: Some diseases, like rabies and leptospirosis, can spread to humans. Vaccines protect your family too.
- Follow the Law: In India, the rabies vaccine is required by law for all dogs.
Getting your puppy vaccinated is one of the best ways to give them a long, healthy life.
Essential Vaccinations for Puppies in India
In India, puppies need a set of core vaccines that protect against the most common and dangerous diseases. There are also optional vaccines depending on your puppy’s lifestyle. Here’s a simple list of the essential vaccines every puppy should get:
Core Vaccines
These are must-have vaccines for all puppies in India:
- DHPP or 7-in-1 Vaccine
- What it protects against: Seven diseases in one shot:
- Canine Distemper: A virus that causes fever, coughing, diarrhea, and seizures. It’s often deadly.
- Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (Hepatitis): A virus that damages the liver and kidneys.
- Canine Adenovirus Type 2: Causes coughing and respiratory problems, like kennel cough.
- Canine Parainfluenza: A virus that leads to coughing and runny nose.
- Canine Parvovirus: A deadly virus causing severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea, common in India.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that affects the liver and kidneys and can spread to humans.
- Canine Coronavirus: Causes mild diarrhea, especially in puppies.
- Why it’s essential: These diseases are highly contagious and common in India, especially among stray dogs.
- When it’s given: Starting at 6-8 weeks, with boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks.
- What it protects against: Seven diseases in one shot:
- Rabies Vaccine
- What it protects against: Rabies, a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system. It can spread to humans through bites.
- Why it’s essential: Rabies is common in India, and the vaccine is required by law. It protects your puppy, other animals, and your family.
- When it’s given: First dose at 12-16 weeks, with boosters every 1-3 years.
Optional Vaccines
These vaccines may be recommended by your vet based on your puppy’s lifestyle:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough) Vaccine: Protects against a contagious cough spread in places like kennels or dog parks. Useful if your puppy will board or socialize a lot.
- Canine Influenza Vaccine: Protects against dog flu, which causes coughing and fever. It’s rare in India but may be needed in high-risk areas.
- Lyme Disease Vaccine: Protects against a tick-borne disease. Recommended if you live in areas with ticks, like hilly regions.
Your vet will help you decide if your puppy needs these optional vaccines based on where you live and your puppy’s activities.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule in India
Puppies need a series of shots to build strong immunity. The vaccination schedule starts when your puppy is 6-8 weeks old and continues until they’re about 16 weeks old. Here’s a simple timeline for essential vaccinations in India:
6-8 Weeks Old
- Puppy DP Vaccine (optional): Protects against distemper and parvovirus. Some vets give this before the 7-in-1 vaccine.
- 7-in-1 Vaccine (First Dose): Covers distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, leptospirosis, coronavirus, and adenovirus type 2.
- Deworming: Puppies need deworming every 2 weeks starting at 2 weeks old to remove worms that can weaken their immune system.
9-10 Weeks Old
- 7-in-1 Vaccine (Second Dose): Booster shot to strengthen immunity.
- Deworming: Continues to keep worms away.
12-13 Weeks Old
- 7-in-1 Vaccine (Third Dose): Another booster for full protection.
- Rabies Vaccine (First Dose): Protects against rabies, required by law.
15-16 Weeks Old
- 7-in-1 Vaccine (Final Dose): Completes the puppy series.
- Rabies Booster (if needed): Some vets give a rabies booster at this stage.
After 1 Year
- 7-in-1 Booster: Given 1 year after the final puppy dose, then every 1-3 years.
- Rabies Booster: Given every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine brand and your vet’s advice.
Important Notes
- Follow the Schedule: Don’t skip or delay shots, as this can leave your puppy unprotected.
- Avoid Public Places: Until your puppy has all their shots (around 16 weeks), avoid dog parks, streets, or areas with stray dogs to prevent disease exposure.
- Keep Records: Save your puppy’s vaccination records to track boosters and show proof if needed (e.g., for boarding or travel).
Your vet may adjust the schedule slightly based on your puppy’s health or the vaccine brand used. Always follow their advice.
Cost of Puppy Vaccinations in India
The cost of vaccinations in India depends on your location, the vet clinic, and the vaccine brand. Here’s a simple breakdown of average costs (as of June 2025):
- 7-in-1 Vaccine: ₹750-₹1000 per dose. Puppies need 3-4 doses, so total cost is ₹2250-₹4000 for the series.
- Rabies Vaccine: ₹200-₹500 per dose.
- Puppy DP Vaccine (if given): ₹500-₹800 per dose.
- Deworming: ₹100-₹300 per session (needed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks).
- Vet Consultation Fee: ₹200-₹500 per visit.
Total Cost for Puppy Vaccinations
For the full puppy vaccination series (6-16 weeks), including deworming and vet fees, expect to spend ₹4000-₹8000. Booster shots for adult dogs cost less, around ₹1000-₹1500 per year.
Popular Vaccine Brands in India
- Megavac-7 (Indian Immunologicals Limited): ₹800 per dose, widely used and trusted.
- Starvac 7: ₹750 per dose.
- Canishot DHPPL: ₹750 per dose.
- Vencosix: ₹800 per dose.
- Rabies Vaccines: Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) or Raksharab, ₹200-₹500.
Prices vary by city (higher in metros like Mumbai or Delhi) and clinic type (private vs. government). Ask your vet for a cost estimate and check if they offer vaccination packages to save money.
How Do Vaccinations Work?
Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated versions of viruses or bacteria that cause diseases. These are safe and can’t make your puppy sick. When the vaccine is injected, your puppy’s immune system learns to recognize the germs and builds antibodies to fight them. If your puppy is ever exposed to the real disease, their immune system will be ready to protect them.
Vaccines are given as injections by a veterinarian, usually in the shoulder or leg. The process is quick and causes only mild discomfort, like a small pinch. Your vet will ensure the vaccine is stored properly (at 2-8°C) to keep it effective.
Possible Side Effects of Puppy Vaccinations
Vaccinations are generally safe, but some puppies may have mild side effects. These usually go away in 1-2 days. Common side effects include:
- Soreness or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Loss of appetite for a day
Rare Side Effects
In very rare cases, puppies may have an allergic reaction. Call your vet immediately if you notice:
- Swelling of the face or mouth
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weakness or collapse
How to Handle Side Effects
- Keep your puppy calm and comfortable after the shot.
- Offer water and food, but don’t force them to eat.
- Watch for signs of trouble for 24-48 hours.
- Call your vet if you’re worried or if side effects don’t go away.
To reduce risks:
- Make sure your puppy is healthy before vaccination (no fever or illness).
- Have your puppy dewormed a week before the shot.
- Tell your vet if your puppy has had reactions to vaccines before.
Tips for Keeping Your Puppy Healthy
Vaccinations are a big part of puppy care, but there’s more you can do to keep your furry friend healthy:
- Feed a Balanced Diet: Choose high-quality puppy food with protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy growth.
- Provide Fresh Water: Keep your puppy hydrated to support their immune system.
- Deworm Regularly: Worms can weaken your puppy, so deworm every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then every 3-6 months.
- Exercise and Play: Puppies need activity to stay fit and happy, but avoid public places until fully vaccinated.
- Grooming: Brush your puppy’s coat and clean their ears and teeth to prevent infections.
- Flea and Tick Prevention: Use vet-approved products to protect against parasites.
- Socialize Safely: After vaccinations, introduce your puppy to new people and dogs in safe environments.
- Visit the Vet Yearly: Regular checkups catch problems early and keep vaccines up to date.
Good care combined with vaccinations gives your puppy the best start in life.
Why Vaccinations Matter for Stray Dogs in India
India has over 35 million stray dogs, many of whom suffer from diseases like parvovirus and rabies. Vaccinating pet dogs helps reduce the spread of these diseases to strays, improving community health. If you want to help, consider:
- Donating to NGOs that vaccinate stray dogs.
- Adopting a stray puppy and getting them vaccinated.
- Spreading awareness about the importance of vaccines.
Every vaccinated dog makes India safer for both pets and people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are common questions about puppy vaccinations in India:
1. What vaccines do puppies need in India?
Puppies need the 7-in-1 vaccine (for distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, etc.) and the rabies vaccine. Optional vaccines like kennel cough may be needed based on lifestyle.
2. When should I start vaccinating my puppy?
Start at 6-8 weeks old with the 7-in-1 vaccine, followed by boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks. Rabies is given at 12-16 weeks.
3. How much do puppy vaccines cost in India?
The full series (7-in-1, rabies, deworming) costs ₹4000-₹8000, depending on the clinic and city.
4. Are vaccinations safe for puppies?
Yes, they’re safe when given by a vet to healthy puppies. Mild side effects like tiredness are normal, but serious reactions are rare.
5. Can my puppy go outside before vaccinations?
Avoid public places like parks or streets until your puppy is fully vaccinated (around 16 weeks) to prevent disease exposure.
6. What if my puppy misses a vaccine dose?
Contact your vet right away. They may restart the series or give a catch-up dose, depending on the delay.
7. Do indoor puppies need vaccines?
Yes, even indoor puppies can be exposed to diseases through shoes, visitors, or contaminated surfaces. Core vaccines are essential for all puppies.
8. How often do adult dogs need boosters?
Adult dogs need 7-in-1 and rabies boosters every 1-3 years, based on your vet’s advice.
Conclusion
Essential vaccinations for puppies in India are a critical step in keeping your new pet healthy and safe. The 7-in-1 vaccine and rabies vaccine protect against deadly diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies, which are common in India. By following the right vaccination schedule, choosing trusted vaccine brands, and working with your vet, you can give your puppy a strong start in life.
Key takeaways:
- Start vaccinations at 6-8 weeks and complete the series by 16 weeks.
- Core vaccines include 7-in-1 and rabies; optional vaccines depend on lifestyle.
- Costs range from ₹4000-₹8000 for the full puppy series.
- Combine vaccines with good care, like proper food and regular vet visits.
As a new pet owner, vaccinating your puppy is one of the most loving things you can do. If you have questions or want to share your puppy’s story, leave a comment below or talk to your vet. Let’s keep our furry friends happy and healthy!