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We just got a 6-week-old Beagle puppy from a breeder in Pune. The breeder gave her first vaccination at 6 weeks. Our vet in Bangalore (where we live) says we should have waited until 8 weeks and that the 6-week vaccine is "not optimal" but doesn't want to redo it.
Now there's confusion about the full schedule. Different vets have told us: (1) 6-8-12-16 weeks, (2) 8-12-16 weeks, or (3) 6-8-10-14 weeks. We also haven't been told whether a 6-week vaccination counts toward the core schedule or if it's additional.
What is the actual standard vaccination schedule for puppies in India? Which core vaccines are non-negotiable and what should we push back on if a vet adds unnecessary extras?
The confusion is real and comes from different international guidelines being interpreted differently by Indian vets. The current WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines — which are the most widely accepted globally — recommend starting core vaccines at 8 weeks, not 6.
A 6-week vaccination has lower efficacy because maternal antibodies in the puppy's system can neutralise the vaccine. It's not harmful but it may not "take." Most responsible vets treat 6-week vaccines as an early start and still do the full 8-12-16 schedule.
The maternal antibody issue explains so much — our breeder vaccinated at 5 weeks and our vet said the same thing, treat it as a partial dose and restart at 8 weeks. Wish breeders understood this better.
WSAVA guidelines are also what our vet references. Good to see it becoming more standard in Indian vet practice. We pushed back on the 6-week-only schedule based on this and the vet actually appreciated being challenged.
Core vaccines in India: Combination (Distemper, Parvovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza — the "DHPPi" combo), Rabies, and Leptospirosis (important in India). These are non-negotiable.
Optional but often recommended in India: Kennel Cough (Bordetella) if your dog will be boarding or at dog parks. Corona virus vaccine — this is often pushed in India but is NOT a core vaccine and has questionable efficacy. You can decline this.
Push back on the Coronavirus vaccine if offered — multiple veterinary bodies have questioned its necessity for non-commercial settings. Also question any "local disease" vaccines being added without explanation. In Bangalore, Leptospirosis is relevant; in some other cities less so. Ask your vet to justify each addition.
Keep a physical vaccination record (the card the vet fills in) from day one. Many boarding facilities, airlines, and pet-friendly hotels require it. Digital records on apps are convenient but the original card matters for official purposes in India currently.
The schedule that most good urban vets in India follow now (aligned with WSAVA): 8 weeks (DHPPi first dose), 12 weeks (DHPPi second dose + Leptospirosis), 16 weeks (DHPPi booster + Rabies). Annual boosters after that.
If she had a 6-week vaccine, the vet treating this conservatively as a "dose 0" and starting the 8-12-16 schedule fresh is reasonable. It results in an extra vaccination but no harm.
The Coronavirus vaccine is pushed so heavily in India and our vet was honest when pressed — he said he offers it because some clients feel better having it done, not because of strong evidence. Appreciated the honesty.
Timing between doses matters. Do not let vets go less than 3-4 weeks between core doses — it doesn't allow enough immune response time. Some breeders or vets rush this "to get it done" and it reduces effectiveness.
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