Introduction: What Puppy Vaccination Is Actually About

Vaccinating a puppy is not about rushing to “get all the injections done.”

It is not a checklist.
It is not a one-day task.
And it is definitely not something to improvise based on what worked for someone else’s dog.

Puppy vaccination is about timing, sequence, and biological readiness.

Give a vaccine too early, and the puppy’s immune system may not respond.
Give it too late, and you leave a dangerous window where infections can strike.
Miss a booster, and the protection you thought you built may never fully exist.

This is where most Indian pet parents get confused — not because they don’t care, but because vaccination advice is often rushed, fragmented, or poorly explained.

This guide exists to change that.

Here, you’ll understand:

• Which vaccines actually matter for puppies in India
• The correct age-wise vaccination schedule
• Why multiple doses are necessary (and not “over-vaccination”)
• Common mistakes that quietly put puppies at risk
• What to do before and after vaccination to support immunity

No panic.
No brand hype.
Just protocol — explained properly.

Why Puppy Vaccination Matters More Than You Think

Puppies are born with immature immune systems.

At birth, they don’t have their own protection against most viruses. Instead, they rely on maternal antibodies passed through their mother’s milk during the first few weeks of life.

Sounds reassuring — but there’s a catch.

Maternal antibodies:

• Fade at unpredictable speeds
• Can block vaccines if given too early
• Disappear completely before a puppy is old enough to fight infections alone

This creates a vulnerable period where a puppy:

• Looks healthy
• Acts playful
• But has very little real immunity

During this phase, exposure to viruses like parvovirus or distemper can be fatal — even with aggressive treatment.

Vaccination works by training the immune system before exposure happens.
Once exposure occurs, it’s often too late.

That’s why vaccination is preventive medicine in its truest form.

Core Puppy Vaccines in India: What Actually Matters

Not every injection is essential in the early months. What matters are core vaccines — the ones that protect against life-threatening diseases commonly found in India.

1. DHPPi (or DHPP)

This is the backbone of puppy vaccination.

It protects against:

• Canine Distemper – a viral disease affecting the nervous system, lungs, and gut
• Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus) – causes liver failure and bleeding disorders
• Canine Parvovirus – severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, rapid dehydration
• Parainfluenza – a respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough

These are not mild illnesses.
They are aggressive, fast-spreading, and often fatal in young puppies.

Parvovirus, in particular, can survive on surfaces for months — which means your puppy doesn’t even need to meet another dog to get infected.

2. Rabies

Rabies vaccination is mandatory by law in India.

It protects:

• Your puppy
• Every human who comes in contact with your puppy

Rabies is:

• 100% fatal once symptoms appear
• Transmissible to humans
• A public health responsibility, not a personal choice

Rabies vaccination is required for:

• Travel
• Boarding
• Grooming services
• Legal compliance

There is no debate here. Rabies vaccination is not optional.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule in India (Standard Protocol)

⚠️ Note: Individual vets may adjust slightly based on health, breed, or risk factors. What follows is the standard, widely accepted Indian protocol.

6–8 Weeks: First DHPPi Dose

This is the introduction phase.

• Maternal antibodies may still be present
• The puppy’s immune system is just beginning to respond

The goal is not full immunity yet, but exposure — teaching the immune system what these viruses look like.

Skipping this dose leaves a dangerous early gap.

9–11 Weeks: Second DHPPi Dose

This dose strengthens the response.

Why this matters:

• Maternal antibodies are declining
• The immune system is more responsive

This second dose covers puppies whose first vaccine may have been partially blocked by maternal antibodies.

It significantly improves protection — but immunity is still not complete.

12–14 Weeks: Third DHPPi + Rabies

This is a critical milestone.

• Maternal antibodies are mostly gone
• The puppy’s immune system can respond reliably

The third DHPPi dose locks in immunity.

Rabies vaccination is often given during this window, depending on vet advice and local regulations.

After this stage, your puppy finally has stable protection against core viral diseases.

1 Year of Age: Booster Doses

• DHPPi booster
• Rabies booster

These boosters are not optional refreshers. They are essential to maintain immune memory.

After this:

• Boosters are typically annual
• Your vet may adjust frequency based on lifestyle and exposure risk

Skipping boosters weakens long-term protection.

Why Multiple Doses Are Necessary (And Not “Too Much”)

This is where misinformation spreads fastest.

Many pet parents ask:

“Why so many injections?”
“Isn’t one shot enough?”
“Won’t this overload the puppy?”

Here’s the truth.

Maternal antibodies:

• Protect early
• Interfere with vaccines

But every puppy loses these antibodies at a different pace.

That means:

• One puppy may respond fully at 8 weeks
• Another may not respond until 12 weeks

There is no way to predict this accurately.

Multiple doses ensure that:

• At least one dose lands when antibodies are low
• The immune system mounts a proper response

Skipping doses is not cautious.
It’s gambling.

Common Puppy Vaccination Mistakes That Cause Real Harm

❌ Delaying Vaccines “Until the Puppy Grows”

This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions.

The younger the puppy, the higher the risk.
Waiting increases exposure during the most vulnerable phase.

Big dogs don’t become immune just because they’re big.

❌ Missing or Postponing Boosters

Vaccination is cumulative.

Missing one booster can:

• Reduce effectiveness of previous doses
• Leave immunity incomplete

Protection doesn’t stack if the schedule breaks.

❌ Taking Puppies to Public Places Too Early

Until vaccination is complete:

• Avoid parks
• Avoid roadside walks
• Avoid unknown dogs

Parvovirus spreads through:

• Shoes
• Floors
• Soil
• Surfaces

Your puppy does not need direct contact to get infected.

❌ Vaccinating a Sick Puppy

Vaccines should only be given when the puppy is:

• Active
• Eating normally
• Free from fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea

A stressed or sick immune system cannot respond properly to vaccines.

What to Expect After Vaccination

Most puppies handle vaccines well.

Normal reactions:

• Mild fever
• Sleepiness
• Reduced appetite for up to 24 hours

These are signs the immune system is working.

Contact your vet if you notice:

• Persistent vomiting
• Facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme lethargy lasting more than 24 hours

Serious reactions are rare — but they need prompt attention.

Before & After Vaccination Care

Before Vaccination

• Deworm as advised by your vet
• Ensure the puppy is healthy
• Avoid stress and travel

After Vaccination

• No baths for 5–7 days
• Avoid intense activity
• Observe behaviour and appetite

Vaccines work best when the body can focus on immune response — not recovery from stress.

Where Animeal Fits — Responsibly

Vaccination is not just about the injection. It’s about handling, storage, and administration.

Animeal supports vaccination by providing:

• Vet-recommended vaccines
• Cold-chain maintained products
• Verified sourcing

But vaccines must always be:

👉 Administered by a qualified veterinarian
👉 Stored and handled correctly

Buying a vaccine without proper administration defeats the entire purpose.

Final Takeaway

Vaccination is about timing, not speed.
Skipping or delaying doses weakens protection.
Boosters matter as much as first shots.

A calm, complete schedule protects your puppy for life.

Getting this right early doesn’t just prevent illness —
it prevents heartbreak.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace veterinary consultation. Vaccination schedules should always be confirmed with a licensed veterinarian.