India has the highest number of rabies deaths in the world. 36% of global human rabies deaths occur in India, and almost all of them trace back to unvaccinated dogs. The solution is simple, cheap, and 100% effective: vaccination.

Core Vaccines: What Every Dog in India Must Have

DHPPi - Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza

This combination vaccine protects against four of the most common fatal diseases in Indian dogs. Parvovirus alone kills thousands of puppies in India every year. There is no treatment once a dog is severely infected.

Schedule: 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks for puppies. Annual booster every year after that.

Rabies

Legally required in many Indian states. First dose at 12 weeks. Booster at 1 year. Annual booster every year after that. There is no treatment for rabies once symptoms appear.

Leptospirosis

Important for dogs who swim, walk in puddles, or travel to forest or river areas. Spreads through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

Schedule: First dose at 9 weeks alongside DHPPi. Booster at 16 weeks. Annual booster after that.

The Complete Schedule

Age	Vaccine	Type	Required?
6 weeks	Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus	DHPPi (first)	YES - core
9 weeks	DHPPi + Leptospirosis	DHPPi+L	YES - core
12 weeks	Rabies + DHPPi booster	Anti-rabies	YES - legally required
16 weeks	DHPPi + L booster	Final puppy dose	YES
1 year	Full booster: DHPPi + Rabies + L	Annual	YES
Every year after	Annual booster series	Annual	YES
Before travel / boarding	Kennel Cough (Bordetella)	Optional	If boarding or multiple-dog environments

Deworming Schedule

Puppies: Every 2 weeks from 2 weeks to 12 weeks of age
Adults: Every 3 months throughout life
Before travel: Deworm at least 10 days before a trip

Tick and Flea Prevention

Tick fever is the single most common serious illness in travelling Indian dogs. Prevention is straightforward and effective.

Spot-on treatments: Frontline Plus, Bravecto Spot-on - applied monthly
Tablets: Bravecto (3-month), NexGard (monthly)
Tick collars: Seresto provides 8 months of protection

Vaccination Certificate: Keep It and Use It

Every vaccination should be recorded in a pet health booklet or certificate. This document is required by many hotels, airlines, and state entry checkpoints near forest areas.

Keep a photocopy in your car and a PDF on your phone at all times when travelling.

Related guides: Rabies in dogs - complete India guide | Tick fever in dogs India | Pet travel checklist India

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