Vaccination Schedule for Dogs: Complete Guide for Pet Parents

A proper dog vaccination schedule protects your pet from deadly diseases and helps them live a healthy, active life.

VACCINATION

Dr. Manvik Bhullar

3/1/20262 min read

Why Are Dog Va

Vaccinations help build immunity against dangerous viral and bacterial infections. Puppies are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing.

Benefits of dog vaccination include:

  • Protection against life-threatening diseases

  • Reduced veterinary treatment costs

  • Better immunity and long-term health

  • Prevention of disease spread to other pets

  • Mandatory compliance for diseases like Rabies

Timely vaccination can literally save your dog’s life.

Veterinarians generally divide dog vaccines into two categories:

1. Core Vaccines

These are essential for all dogs.

  • Canine Distemper

  • Canine Parvovirus

  • Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis)

  • Rabies

2. Non-Core Vaccines

Recommended depending on lifestyle and exposure.

  • Kennel Cough (Bordetella)

  • Leptospirosis

  • Canine Influenza

  • Coronavirus vaccine

    Puppy DP Vaccine and DHPPiL Vaccine Schedule for Puppies

  • Vaccinations are one of the most important steps in protecting puppies from dangerous viral infections. Core puppy vaccines like DP and DHPPiL help build strong immunity during the early months of life.

  • The DP vaccine is an early-age puppy vaccine that protects against:

    • D – Canine Distemper Virus

    • P – Canine Parvovirus

    These two diseases are highly contagious and can be life-threatening in puppies.

    ARV (Anti-Rabies Vaccine) for Puppies:

  • Rabies is one of the deadliest viral diseases affecting both animals and humans. The good news is that it is completely preventable through timely vaccination. The Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) is an essential part of every puppy’s vaccination schedule and is legally recommended for all dogs in India.

  • Rabies can spread through:

    • Dog bites

    • Scratches

    • Saliva from infected animals

    Because rabies can also infect humans, vaccination is extremely important for both pets and families.

    Canine Coronavirus Vaccination for puppies

  • The Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) vaccine is used to protect dogs, especially puppies, against canine enteric coronavirus infection, a contagious intestinal disease that affects the digestive system.

  • It spreads through:

    • Contaminated feces

    • Infected dogs

    • Shared food bowls or kennels

      Kennel Cough Vaccine for Puppies

      The Kennel Cough vaccine helps protect puppies and dogs from a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly known as Kennel Cough or Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC).

    Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Below is the commonly recommended core puppy vaccination schedule in India.

Age of Puppy Vaccine

  • 6 Weeks DP Vaccine

  • 8 Weeks DHPPi / 7-in-1

  • 10 Weeks Booster Dose

  • 12 Weeks Anti-Rabies Vaccine

  • 14-16 Weeks Final Booster

  • Every Year Annual Booster + Rabies

Common Side Effects After Dog Vaccination

Most dogs experience little to no side effects. Mild symptoms may include:

  • Sleepiness

  • Mild fever

  • Reduced appetite

  • Temporary swelling near injection site

These symptoms usually disappear within 24–48 hours.

If your dog experiences severe vomiting, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling, contact your veterinarian immediately.