Dog Vaccination Guide (DHPP & Rabies): Schedule & Booking

The short version: a dog's core vaccine is captured in DHPP, protecting against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Add leptospirosis (important in flood-prone Jakarta and zoonotic), rabies (mandatory in Indonesia), and bordetella if the dog often visits busy places. Puppies start the series around 6 to 8 weeks, repeated a few weeks apart, then an annual booster. All of this can be done at home. Message the Prabasa vet team on WhatsApp to check the schedule.

Parvovirus in puppies can kill within days, and rabies is 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear. Vaccination is the cheapest, most effective way to protect your dog from these diseases. This guide explains the vaccine types, the schedule, and how to book a home vaccination.

Getting to know the dog vaccine types

• DHPP, a core combination vaccine protecting against Distemper, Hepatitis (adenovirus), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. This is the foundation of a dog's protection. Parvo and distemper are especially dangerous to puppies.
• Leptospirosis (Lepto), important in Jakarta and its surroundings, which are prone to floods and standing water. Lepto is zoonotic and can spread to humans. Its immunity duration is relatively short, so it is usually given yearly.
• Rabies, mandatory in Indonesia due to its zoonotic status. Fatal once symptoms appear, so prevention is the only path.
• Bordetella, for kennel cough. Advised for dogs that often visit boarding, grooming, dog parks, or other dog gatherings.

For dog vaccines, Prabasa vets use trusted products such as Vanguard for DHPP, and Defensor or Rabisin for rabies, with the cold chain maintained in transit. The right combination for your dog depends on age, history, and lifestyle.

The dog vaccination schedule

Puppy phase (around 6 to 16 weeks)

Like kittens, antibodies from the mother's milk protect puppies early but can neutralise a vaccine given too soon. So it is given as a series:

• Around 6 to 8 weeks: first DHPP dose (often called the "first parvo").
• Around 10 to 12 weeks: DHPP booster and first lepto.
• Around 14 to 16 weeks: final DHPP booster and first rabies.
• If needed: bordetella according to lifestyle.

The few-weeks-apart principle ensures at least one dose lands when maternal antibodies have dropped. The exact intervals are set by the vet.

First adult booster (around age 1)

A DHPP, lepto, and rabies booster a year after the puppy series. Without it, protection can decline and the dog becomes vulnerable again.

Later adult boosters

• Yearly: lepto and rabies, because their protection duration needs annual repetition.
• DHPP: the annual approach is still common in Indonesia; some vets use a multi-year protocol per WSAVA guidelines. The vet adjusts to your dog's condition.
• Bordetella: usually yearly for dogs that often visit busy places.

Key requirements before vaccinating

• The dog must be healthy. There is always a brief physical exam first, since vaccines are only for a fit dog.
• Ideally dewormed. Deworming is often aligned with the vaccine schedule.
• Share the history. Tell the vet about vaccine history and any past reactions.

Reactions after the vaccine

Mild reactions such as slight lethargy, a day of reduced appetite, or small swelling at the injection site are common and usually settle within one to two days. Rare but urgent are facial swelling, intense itching, repeated vomiting, or trouble breathing within minutes to hours. The vet will explain which signs to watch for and when to head to a clinic.

Why home vaccination is practical

For dogs anxious in transit, puppies with an incomplete series, or homes with several dogs, home vaccination is far calmer and more efficient. A Prabasa vet arrives with vaccines in a cooler, examines first, then injects with correct technique, with no clinic queue for you.

How to book a home dog vaccination

1. Message Prabasa Vet on WhatsApp with the number of dogs, age, vaccine history, and your area.
2. The vet helps assess the relevant vaccine types (DHPP, lepto, rabies, bordetella) and gives a transparent estimate.
3. You pick a time, and the vet comes to your home.
4. After the vaccine, you get aftercare guidance and a reminder for the next booster.

Is your dog due for a vaccine? Do not delay, especially for puppies. Message Prabasa Vet on WhatsApp now to check home vaccination scheduling across Jabodetabek. The initial consult is free. If your dog turns out not fit to vaccinate on the visit day, the vet will explain the safest next steps before proceeding.