Vaccinations protect puppies from deadly but preventable diseases like parvovirus, distemper and rabies. The exact timing depends on your puppy's age, health and your vet's protocol, but here's the general schedule most Indian vets follow so you know what to expect.
Puppies typically start their core vaccinations (commonly the DHPPi-L combination, covering distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis) at around 6–8 weeks, with follow-up doses every 2–4 weeks until about 16 weeks. The anti-rabies vaccine is usually given at around 12–14 weeks. After the puppy series, an annual booster keeps immunity topped up. Your vet will set the precise dates based on your puppy.
Puppies are usually dewormed every two weeks until around 12 weeks of age, then monthly until six months, then as your vet advises — often quarterly for adults. Deworming and vaccination are kept slightly apart so the puppy isn't dealing with both at once. Keep a simple record of dates; many Indian vets and the Pawdost app let you store a digital vaccine card.
Until the puppy series is finished (around 16 weeks), avoid high-risk areas like dog parks and places where unvaccinated strays gather, since parvovirus is common and hardy in India. You can still socialise safely with vaccinated, healthy dogs in clean home environments. Don't skip or stretch the schedule — parvo and distemper are far harder to treat than to prevent.
Most vets start core vaccinations at around 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every few weeks until about 16 weeks. Your vet sets the exact dates.
The anti-rabies vaccine is typically given around 12–14 weeks, then boosted annually. Rabies vaccination is both essential and, in many places, legally expected.
Costs vary by city and clinic. Ask your local vet for a package price — many offer the full puppy course plus deworming as a bundle.
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General guidance only — not a substitute for veterinary advice. For any emergency, contact your nearest 24/7 vet.
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