Health & Care

Dog Vaccination Schedule: Complete Guide for India

Ever found yourself confused about your dog’s vaccination schedule? From puppy shots to annual boosters, keeping track of vaccines, costs, and timing can feel overwhelming, especially with so many myths floating around. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about dog vaccination schedule in India, including prices, age-wise charts, and expert care tips, so your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and safe.

Written by Durga Prasad

August 21, 2025

6 min read

Disclaimer

Key Takeaways

Puppies need vaccines starting 6–8 weeks, with boosters up to 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months, while adults need boosters yearly or every 1–3 years.
Vaccination costs in India vary: government hospitals ₹100–₹300, private clinics ₹300–₹800, with occasional free rabies drives.
Core vaccines include Rabies, DHPP/DHLPP, and Leptospirosis, while non-core depend on lifestyle like Bordetella or Influenza.
Before vaccination ensure deworming and health check, after avoid stress, new foods, and watch mild side effects.
Vaccines protect dogs from deadly diseases, reduce outbreaks, meet legal rules, and extend healthy lives.

Dog Vaccination Schedule by Age: Puppies to Adults

The dog vaccination schedule changes as your pet grows. Missing a dose? You might need to restart or catch up, so timing matters.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

6-8 weeks: DHPP/DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
9-10 weeks: DHPP/DHLPP booster (adds Leptospirosis in DHLPP)
12 weeks: DHPP/DHLPP booster + Rabies (first dose)
14-16 weeks: DHPP/DHLPP booster, Rabies booster if needed
6 months & 12 months: DHPP/DHLPP booster

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

Annual boosters: Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Influenza (if required)
Every 1-3 years: DHPP/DHLPP, Rabies (as per vet’s advice and local law)

Quick Anecdote

You know what’s funny? My neighbor missed their puppy’s 2nd vaccination and had to restart the schedule, extra trips, extra stress, and a very confused puppy! Keeping a calendar or using a vet app can save you a headache.

Dog Vaccination Schedule Chart (India Specific)

Dog’s Age	Core Vaccines	Non-Core (If Needed)
6-8 weeks	DHPP/DHP (1st dose)	Bordetella
9-10 weeks	DHPP/DHLPP (2nd dose)	Leptospirosis, Influenza, Lyme
12 weeks	DHPP/DHLPP (3rd dose), Rabies (1st dose)	Coronavirus
14-16 weeks	DHPP/DHLPP (booster), Rabies (booster)	Bordetella, Lyme
6 months	DHPP/DHLPP booster	As advised
12 months	DHPP/DHLPP, Rabies booster	Non-core as per lifestyle
Every 1-3 years	DHPP/DHLPP, Rabies	Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Influenza

Use this dog vaccination schedule chart for quick reference, and always check with your vet for updates based on local outbreaks and your pet’s health.

Dog Vaccination Cost in India: Government & Private Hospitals

Worried about dog vaccination cost in India? Prices can vary based on location, vaccine type, and whether you visit a government or private hospital.

Government Hospitals

Dog vaccination cost in government hospital: ₹100–₹300 per vaccine (subsidized, often for core vaccines like rabies and DHPP/DHLPP)
Free dog vaccination: Some municipal clinics and NGOs offer free or very low-cost rabies shots during special campaigns

Private Hospitals & Clinics

Dog vaccination price: ₹300–₹700 per vaccine for DHPP/DHLPP, Bordetella, Influenza, etc.
Rabies vaccine: ₹200–₹500 per shot
5-in-1 and 7-in-1 vaccines: ₹400–₹800 per shot depending on brand and location

Vaccine	Govt Hospital (₹)	Private Clinic (₹)
Rabies	100–200	250–500
DHPP/DHLPP	200–300	400–700
Bordetella	250–350	500–700
Leptospirosis	200–300	400–600
7-in-1	250–400	600–800

Puppy vaccination price is sometimes bundled, so ask your vet for package deals. And don’t forget, many cities run free dog vaccination drives, especially for rabies.

Puppy Vaccination: First Shots, 2nd Vaccines & 5-in-1/7-in-1 Details

Taking your puppy for their first shots? Here’s what you need to know about the puppy vaccination schedule and costs.

First Puppy Vaccination

Age: 6–8 weeks
Vaccine: DHPP/DHP (3-in-1 or 5-in-1, covers distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza)
Puppy first vaccination cost: ₹200–₹400

Second Puppy Vaccination

Age: 9–10 weeks
Vaccine: DHPP/DHLPP booster (adds leptospirosis)
Second puppy vaccination cost: ₹250–₹500

5-in-1 & 7-in-1 Vaccine Schedules

5 in 1 vaccine for puppies schedule: 6–8 weeks (first dose), 9–10 weeks (second dose), 12–16 weeks (booster)
7-in-1 vaccine: Similar schedule, adds coronavirus and leptospirosis protection

Puppy Age	Vaccine	Price (₹)
45 days	DHPP/DHP	200–400
9 weeks	DHLPP (booster)	250–500
12–16 weeks	Rabies, DHLPP (final booster)	300–600

Puppy vaccination schedule chart helps you keep track. My own pup yelped a bit after her first shot, but after a cuddle and a treat, she was back to her mischievous self in no time.

Types of Dog Vaccines: Core vs Non-Core Explained

Not all vaccines are created equal. Some are must-haves for every dog, while others depend on your pet’s lifestyle, location, and health risks. Let’s break them down.

Core Vaccines

Rabies: Legally required, protects against a fatal virus.
DHPP/DHLPP: Combo vaccine covering Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and (Leptospirosis in DHLPP).
Leptospirosis: Now considered core in many regions, especially urban India due to outbreaks.

Non-Core (Lifestyle) Vaccines

Bordetella (Kennel Cough): For dogs frequently socializing, boarding, or attending daycare.
Canine Influenza: Recommended for dogs exposed to group settings.
Lyme Disease: If you live in tick-prone areas or your dog hikes outdoors.
Coronavirus: Sometimes advised, check with your vet.

Vets decide on non-core vaccines by checking your dog’s lifestyle. If your pup’s a social butterfly at parks or goes for grooming, extra protection makes a real difference.

Care Before and After Vaccination: Do’s, Don’ts & Side Effects

Vaccination day can be stressful for both you and your dog. Here’s what to do before and after, plus common side effects to watch for.

Do’s Before Vaccination

Ensure your dog is healthy and dewormed (ideally 7 days prior)
Feed a light meal, not heavy or unfamiliar food
Book a vet health check if your dog seems unwell

Don’ts After Vaccination

Don’t let your dog engage in strenuous activity for 24 hours
Don’t introduce new foods right after vaccination
Don’t expose your dog to unknown pets or crowded places on the same day

Typical Side Effects

Mild fever, lethargy, slight swelling at injection site
Low appetite or behavior change for a day (most common)
Rare: Vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reaction (see vet immediately if severe)

Dog behavior change after vaccination is usually mild, think extra naps or a touch of grumpiness. If your dog is sick 4 days after vaccination, or shows severe side effects, consult your vet promptly.

Why Dog Vaccination is Essential: Health, Prevention & Legal Aspects

Vaccinating your dog isn’t just about following a checklist. It’s a shield, protecting your pet from diseases that can be nasty, expensive to treat, and even fatal. Rabies, parvovirus, and distemper aren’t just names in a textbook; they’re real threats, especially for puppies and unvaccinated pups.

Protecting Your Dog’s Health

Prevents deadly diseases: Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis can be fatal, especially in puppies.
Boosts immunity: Vaccines help the immune system fight off pathogens before they cause harm.
Reduces outbreaks: Vaccinated pets help control disease spread among dogs and humans.

Legal Requirements & Public Safety

Rabies vaccination is mandatory by law in India for all pet dogs.
Failure to vaccinate can result in fines, quarantine, or legal action after a bite incident.
Protects your family and community, rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can jump from animals to humans.

Dog Vaccination Myths

Let’s tackle some dog vaccination myths and what to do if your pet misses a dose or is pregnant or elderly.

Common Myths

Myth: Vaccines aren’t needed if my dog stays indoors.
Truth: Many diseases are airborne or carried in on shoes/clothes.
Myth: Older dogs don’t need boosters.
Truth: Senior dogs can still catch and suffer from preventable diseases.

Missed Doses

If you miss a vaccine, consult your vet. A catch-up dose or restarting the series may be needed.
Consistency is key, set reminders or use a vaccine app.

Special Cases: Pregnant & Senior Dogs

Pregnant dogs should avoid live vaccines unless absolutely necessary. Consult your vet for safe options.
Senior dogs may need tailored schedules based on health, lifestyle, and risk.

Honestly? Missing a dose is more common than you think, but quick action keeps your dog protected. If you’re unsure what to do, don’t guess, ask your vet.

Conclusion

Your dog depends on you for protection. Following a proper dog vaccination schedule, whether in India or anywhere else, means fewer worries, happier playtimes, and a longer, healthier life for your furry family member. Keep records, ask questions, and never hesitate to call your vet if you’re unsure. A few quick trips to the clinic can mean years of joyful tail wags and safe, healthy adventures together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Puppy vaccination cost varies: ₹200–₹400 for the first shot, ₹250–₹500 for the second, and ₹300–₹600 for boosters (private clinics). Government hospitals may offer lower or free rabies vaccines during drives.

5-in-1 covers distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and sometimes leptospirosis. 7-in-1 adds coronavirus and more leptospirosis strains. Schedules are similar, starting at 6–8 weeks with boosters every 3–4 weeks.

Common side effects are mild fever, tiredness, or soreness at the injection site. Rarely, puppies may have vomiting or allergic reactions, see a vet if symptoms last over 48 hours or worsen.

Some yelping, mild pain, or sleepiness post-vaccination is normal. Give your puppy a quiet place to rest, fresh water, and gentle attention. If symptoms persist more than a day, check with your vet.

The second puppy vaccination is usually given 3–4 weeks after the first, so if the first is at 45 days, plan the next at around 70 days. Your vet will confirm the exact timing.

If a dog bites someone, rabies vaccine must be administered immediately (post-exposure prophylaxis). The schedule and doses depend on the bite severity and dog's vaccination history. Consult your doctor and vet urgently.

Do: Rest, keep hydrated, monitor for side effects, offer comfort. Don’t: Over-exercise, introduce new foods, expose to crowded places on the same day.

Vaccination should be postponed if your dog is sick or pregnant, unless advised by your vet for specific risks. Pregnant dogs should generally avoid live vaccines.

Contact your vet for a catch-up plan. Some vaccines need restarting if too much time passes, others require just a single booster. Consistency is key for lasting immunity.

Yes, some government clinics, NGOs, and city health departments offer free rabies vaccinations and periodic drives for both pet and street dogs. Check with your local authorities.

Temporary behavior changes like tiredness, less play, or mild grumpiness are common after shots. These resolve in 24–48 hours. Persistent changes need a vet review.

Yes, you can use the chart in this article for basic timings, but always check with your vet for updates based on your dog’s health and local disease risks.

If your dog is unwell for more than 2 days after a vaccine, especially with fever, vomiting, or severe symptoms, see your vet urgently. Most side effects resolve quickly, so longer illness could indicate a reaction.

Most adult dogs need annual boosters for leptospirosis, bordetella, and influenza, and core boosters every 1–3 years for rabies and DHPP/DHLPP. Your vet will advise based on age, lifestyle, and health.

Core vaccines are a must for every dog (rabies, DHPP/DHLPP). Non-core vaccines depend on your dog's lifestyle, age, environment, and travel plans. Consult your vet for a personalized schedule.

No vaccine is 100% protective, but timely shots greatly reduce risk and severity of infections. Some diseases have multiple strains, so regular boosters keep your dog safest.

Serious adverse reactions are rare. Mild side effects are common and temporary. Always alert your vet if your dog had a past reaction to a vaccine so they can take extra precautions.

Use a veterinary app, calendar reminders, or a physical chart at home. Your vet also keeps records, ask for a vaccine passport or booklet for easy tracking.

Absolutely! Rabies vaccination for street dogs protects communities, pets, and humans. Many NGOs and municipalities run free mass drives, support or volunteer if you can.

Dog Vaccination Schedule: Complete Guide for India

In This Article

Key Takeaways