Dog Vaccinations in India: Schedule and Costs

As a pet parent in India, caring for your dog’s health is paramount. Vaccines are a foundation of wellness care, guarding your canine companion from deadly diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, and distemper. This comprehensive guide covers all you need to know about dog vaccinations, including the dog vaccination schedule in India, rabies vaccine for dogs, dog vaccine prices, and how to find dog vaccinations near me. If you are a new dog parent or looking to stay updated, this blog will guide you through the basics of vaccinating your dog.

Why Dog Vaccinations Are Essential

Dog vaccinations protect your dog against various contagious and deadly diseases. They do so by triggering the immune system to identify and kill specific pathogens without making the dog sick. In India, where diseases such as rabies continue to be a public health problem, vaccinating your dog is much more than a preference. Because of dog bites, India has around 60% of the global rabies death burden. You protect your dog, family, and community when you follow a proper dog vaccination schedule.

Vaccinations control the spread of zoonotic diseases (those that can be transmitted to humans) and lower veterinary costs by preventing expensive treatments. Core vaccines, like rabies and 9 in 1, are mandatory, and non-core vaccines are tailored to your dog’s lifestyle and environment.

Understanding the Dog Vaccination Schedule in India

The dog vaccination schedule in India is designed to ensure immunity against common diseases and adhere to the country’s laws. Puppies need a series of shots beginning at 6-8 weeks, then boosters, and adult dogs need annual boosters. Below is a general dog vaccination schedule recommended by veterinarians in India, though you should always consult your vet for an individualized programme.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule (6 Weeks to 1 Year)

• 6-8 Weeks:
  • 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Vaccine for Dogs : First dose protects against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1 and 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirus, and Leptospira.
  • Deworming: Essential before vaccination to ensure efficacy.
• 9-10 Weeks:
  • 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Dog Vaccine Booster: The second dose provides complete immunity against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1 and 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirus, and Leptospira.
  • Deworming: Repeated every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks.
• 12-14 Weeks:
  • Rabies Vaccine for Dogs: This is the first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine for dogs, which is mandatory in India.
  • 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Dog Vaccine Booster: Final puppy dose for core vaccines.
• 16-18 Weeks:
  • Rabies Vaccine Booster: Ensures long-term immunity.
  • Optional Non-Core Vaccines: Based on lifestyle and environment, Bordetella (kennel cough) or canine Influenza (Canine Corona).
• 1 Year:
  • Rabies Vaccine Booster: Annual dose, depending on the vaccine brand and local laws.
  • 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Booster: Transitions to adult schedule.

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

• Annual Boosters:
  • Rabies Vaccine for Dogs: Required every year.
  • 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Dog Vaccine: Annual boosters to be given yearly. Some vets use titer tests to assess immunity and reduce over-vaccination.
• Non-Core Vaccines: Administered annually if your dog is at risk (e.g., frequent boarding or exposure to traveling).

Age	Vaccination/Deworming	Details
6-8 Weeks	7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Vaccine for Dogs and Deworming	First dose protects against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1 and 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirus, and Leptospira. Deworming ensures vaccine efficacy.
9-10 Weeks	7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Dog Vaccine Booster Deworming	Second dose strengthens immunity against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 1 and 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine parvovirus, and Leptospira. Deworming repeated every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks.
12-14 Weeks	Rabies Vaccine for Dogs 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Dog Vaccine Booster	First dose of anti-rabies vaccine for dogs, mandatory in India. Final puppy dose for core vaccines.
16-18 Weeks	Rabies Vaccine Booster Optional Non-Core Vaccines (Bordetella, Canine Corona)	Ensures long-term rabies immunity. Non-core vaccines based on lifestyle (e.g., kennel cough for boarding).
1 Year	Rabies Vaccine Booster 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Booster	Annual rabies booster, depending on brand and laws. Transitions to adult core vaccine schedule.
Adult (Annual or Triennial)	Rabies Vaccine for Dogs 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 Dog Vaccine Booster Non-Core Vaccines	Required every years for rabies and core vaccines. Non-core vaccines (e.g., Bordetella) if at risk (e.g., frequent boarding). Some vets use titer tests to reduce over-vaccination.
Deworming (Ongoing)	Deworming	Every 2 weeks for puppies under 3 months, monthly until 6 months, every 3 months for dogs over 6 months.

Note: The dog rabies vaccine schedule typically starts at 12 weeks, with boosters after 21 to 30 days and then yearly dose. Always maintain a vaccination card to track dates and avoid missed doses.

Core vs. Non-Core Dog Vaccinations

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are those that we recommend for all dogs since they protect against most contagious non-treatable, common diseases. In India, these include:

• Rabies Vaccine for Dogs protects against rabies, a fatal zoonotic disease. It is legally mandatory in India and costs an average of ₹350 per dose.
• 7-in-1 or 9-in-1 dog vaccine DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) :
  • Distemper: a contagious virus affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
  • Hepatitis (Adenovirus): Targets the liver and kidneys.
  • Parvovirus: Causes severe gastrointestinal distress, especially in puppies.
  • Parainfluenza: Contributes to respiratory infections.
• Leptospirosis: Infection spreads through contaminated water, included in 9-in-1 dog vaccine.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines depend on your dog’s lifestyle, location, and exposure risks. Common ones include:

• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Recommended for dogs in boarding facilities or parks. Cost: ~₹900 per dose.
• Canine Coronavirus: For socially active dogs.

Focus on Rabies: The Anti-Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted by dog bites that is nearly 100% fatal once clinical signs appear. In India, human rabies cases are 96% due to dog bites, so the need for rabies vaccination in dogs is critical. The regular dog rabies vaccination schedule usually involves:

• First Dose: At 12-14 weeks.
• Booster: After 21-30 days (e.g., Nobivac Rabies, Raksharab).
• Annual Booster: Every year

The price of the dog rabies vaccine ranges from ₹350 per dose at pet clinics. Brands like Nobivac, Rabigen, and Zoetis Defensor are widely available.

Dog Bite Vaccine and Schedule

The term dog bite vaccine often refers to the anti-rabies vaccine for dogs given post-exposure (post-bite) or as preventive care. If an unvaccinated animal bites your dog:

• Unvaccinated Dogs Require immediate vaccination with five doses scheduled on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, and a 4-month quarantine.
• Vaccinated Dogs: May need a booster and 10-day observation, as vaccine failures are rare but possible.

The dog bite vaccine schedule for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in humans follows WHO guidelines: 5 doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28.

7-in-1 and 9-in-1 Dog Vaccines: What’s the Difference?

The 7-in-1 vaccine for dogs (also called DHPPiL or 7-way) combines protection against:

• Canine Distemper
• Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Leptospirosis (two strains)
• Coronavirus

The 9-in-1 dog vaccine adds protection against additional leptospirosis strains. Both are administered at 6-8 weeks, with boosters after 21-30 days, then annually.

Cost:

• 7-in-1: ₹570-₹800 (e.g., Nobivac DHPPi, Megavac 7).
• 9-in-1: ₹700-₹1000 (e.g., Vanguard DAPP+L4).

Choose based on your dog’s exposure risks (e.g., rural areas with high leptospirosis prevalence may warrant a 9-in-1).

Dog Vaccine Prices in India

Dog vaccine prices vary by brand, clinic, and location. Here’s an updated list based on available data:

• Rabies Vaccine: ₹160 (Raksharab 1ml) to ₹225 (Zoetis Defensor 1ml).
• 7-in-1 Vaccine: ₹570 (Nobivac DHPPi) to ₹800 (Megavac 7).
• 9-in-1 Vaccine: ₹900 (Vanguard DAPP+L4).
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough): ₹790.

Clinic consultation fees (₹200-₹500) may apply, and prices in metropolitan areas like Hyderabad or Delhi may be higher. For affordability, check government veterinary hospitals or NGOs like Blue Cross, which offer subsidized vaccinations.

Finding Dog Vaccinations Near Me

To locate dog vaccinations near me in India:

• Veterinary Clinics: Search for local clinics in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, or other cities via Google Maps or platforms like PetYaari (Hyderabad-based).
• Government Veterinary Hospitals: Offer low-cost vaccinations, especially for rabies.
• NGOs and Shelters: NGOs like Mission Rabies carry free anti-rabies drives for strays and pet dogs.

For example, in Hyderabad, clinics like PetYaari in Kharmanghat, BN Reddy Nagar, and Vanastalipuram offer comprehensive vaccination services. Always verify the clinic’s credentials and ensure vaccines are stored properly to maintain efficacy.

Tips for Pet Owners

1. Follow a Schedule: Petyaari Pet Clinics sends automated vaccination reminders via sms and email to track and administer vaccination. This enables pet parents to ensure vaccinations are done on time without missing.
2. Deworm Before Vaccinating: Parasites can reduce vaccine effectiveness. Deworm every 2 weeks for puppies under 3 months, then monthly until 6 months, once in 3 months for dogs above 6 months.
3. Monitor Side Effects: Mild swelling or lethargy is common, but consult a vet if symptoms persist.
4. Legal Compliance: Rabies vaccination is mandatory in India, with fines for non-compliance.
5. Consult Your Vet: Tailor the schedule to your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle.

FAQs About Dog Vaccinations

Conclusion

Vaccinations for your dog are crucial for any responsible pet owner. Adhering to the dog vaccination schedule in India, prioritizing the rabies vaccination for dogs, and knowing about dog vaccine prices will enable you to take good care of dogs’ health for a long time. Whether you are trying to find dog vaccinations near me or looking for information on the 7 in 1 or 9 in 1 dog vaccine, this guide is your source for information to make informed decisions. Schedule a veterinary appointment today and keep your little one safe from harm!

Disclaimer: Always consult a licensed veterinarian for personalized advice. Vaccine prices and schedules may vary by region and clinic.