When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, love isn’t enough. Vaccinations, deworming, and monthly preventives form the backbone of long-term care — but there’s often a big gap between what vets recommend and what pet parents actually do.
Let’s bridge that gap with clarity, not confusion.
🐶 Vaccinations: More Than a Puppy Checklist
What vets say:
Core vaccines (like distemper, parvovirus, rabies) are non-negotiable and must be followed by timely boosters. Vaccinations aren't a one-time thing — they're a lifelong protocol.
What people think:
“I got all the shots when my dog was a pup, so we’re covered for life.”
Many pet parents unknowingly skip boosters or delay them for years — leaving dogs vulnerable to deadly, preventable diseases.
👉 Reality check: Adult dogs need annual or triennial boosters based on your vet’s recommendation and regional risk factors (like outbreaks or street dog population).
🪱 Deworming: Not Just a Puppy Problem
What vets say:
Internal parasites (like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms) are common in both pups and adult dogs. Deworming should be done every 3–6 months, depending on lifestyle.
What people think:
“Only puppies get worms. Once they’re older, they’re fine.”
Or worse — people wait until they see worms in poop. By then, the infestation is advanced.
👉 Reality check: Most worms don’t show obvious signs until it’s too late. Regular, preventive deworming is a must — especially for dogs who spend time outdoors or around other animals.
🦟 Tick, Flea & Heartworm Prevention: The Monthly Lifesaver
What vets say:
Monthly treatments for external parasites (like ticks and fleas) and internal threats (like heartworms) aren’t just optional — they can save your dog’s life. This includes topical treatments, chewables, or collars depending on your region and dog’s needs.
What people think:
“I’ll treat ticks if I find any,” or “Heartworm isn’t a thing in India.”
Wrong — both fleas and ticks are widespread in urban and rural India, and heartworm is increasingly reported in warm regions.
👉 Reality check: Prevention is easier, safer, and far cheaper than treating full-blown infestations or infections like tick fever or ehrlichiosis.
What You Can Do as a Responsible Pet Parent
- Keep a vaccine record and set reminders for boosters.
- Stick to a deworming calendar (ask your vet — it may vary based on age and environment).
- Use monthly tick/flea protection year-round — not just during monsoon.
- Visit your vet for an annual wellness exam, even if your dog looks healthy.
💬 Final Thoughts
Your dog depends on you to keep them healthy — and health isn’t just about visible symptoms. It’s about proactive care, even when nothing seems wrong. So don’t wait for signs of trouble. Stay ahead, stay informed, and follow what your vet says — not just what the neighbourhood WhatsApp group thinks.
Because a little monthly care can mean years of wagging tails and happy licks. 🐾