🐶 Common Myths About Dog Vaccines — Busted! (2025 Guide)

Vaccinating your dog is one of the most responsible things you can do as a pet parent. Yet, despite decades of veterinary science, there are still countless myths and misunderstandings floating around — especially online.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common myths about dog vaccines, separate fact from fiction, and help you make informed decisions to keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and protected.

💉 Myth #1: "My Dog Stays Indoors — So He Doesn't Need Vaccines"

Fact: Even indoor dogs are exposed to risks.

Your dog may not go for daily walks, but you do — and you can unknowingly bring viruses and bacteria into the home on your clothes, shoes, or hands. Some viruses (like parvovirus) are extremely contagious and can live on surfaces for weeks. Also, indoor dogs may still come in contact with other pets, street animals, or pests like rats or mosquitoes.

✅ Core vaccines are essential for all dogs — indoor or outdoor.

🦴 Myth #2: "Puppies Only Need Vaccines — Adults Don’t"

Fact: Adult dogs need regular booster shots too.

Puppies get a series of vaccines in the first few months of life to build their immunity, but these vaccines don’t last forever. Immunity can weaken over time. That’s why adult dogs need yearly or tri-yearly booster shots to maintain protection against rabies, distemper, parvo, and more.

✅ Follow the vet-recommended annual vaccination schedule — it could save your pet’s life.

🐾 Myth #3: "Vaccines Will Make My Dog Sick"

Fact: Most dogs experience no side effects — and serious reactions are extremely rare.

Like any medical procedure, vaccines can cause mild side effects such as slight fever, sleepiness, or soreness at the injection site — but these typically go away within 24–48 hours. Serious reactions are rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.

💡 If your dog has a history of allergies, let the vet know. Vets are trained to handle allergic responses if they occur.

🐕 Myth #4: "Rabies Vaccine is Enough — My Dog Doesn’t Need the Others"

Fact: Rabies is mandatory, but other vaccines protect against deadly diseases too.

While rabies vaccination is required by law in India, other diseases like distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis are just as dangerous — especially for puppies or senior dogs. The DHPP vaccine protects against four major diseases and is just as important as rabies.

✅ Your dog needs both core and optional vaccines based on their lifestyle and exposure risks.

🩺 Myth #5: "Natural Immunity or Home Remedies Are Better Than Vaccines"

Fact: There is no natural alternative to proven vaccination.

Some people believe that a healthy lifestyle or herbal remedies can protect dogs from viruses. While good nutrition and care help overall health, they cannot replace vaccines. Deadly diseases like parvo and distemper don’t discriminate — and they spread fast.

⚠️ Choosing not to vaccinate leaves your pet extremely vulnerable.

🏡 Myth #6: "At-Home Vaccination Isn’t Safe or Reliable"

Fact: Trusted services like Petovac offer professional, government-approved vaccines at home.

Gone are the days when you had to wait in a crowded clinic. With certified vets and cold-chain management, doorstep vaccination is safe, convenient, and stress-free for your pet. It also helps reduce anxiety, especially in puppies and senior dogs.

📍 Petovac’s doorstep vaccination service in Delhi NCR ensures quality care right at your home.

⏱️ Myth #7: "One Missed Vaccine Doesn’t Matter"

Fact: Missing or delaying vaccines can break your pet’s protection cycle.

Skipping even one booster can leave your dog vulnerable. Some viruses, like parvo, spread rapidly and can be fatal in unvaccinated dogs. Always complete the full vaccine series and keep records updated.

💡 Set reminders or use Petovac’s digital vaccine tracker to stay on schedule.

🧠 Myth #8: "Only Puppies Need Deworming — Not Dogs Who Eat Clean"

Fact: Even well-fed, indoor dogs can get worms from contaminated soil, food, or even shoes.

Worm infestations aren’t just a digestive issue — they can cause weakness, malnutrition, and even be passed to humans. Monthly or quarterly deworming is recommended for dogs of all ages, especially in India’s tropical climate.

✅ Ask your vet for the right deworming schedule based on your dog’s age and weight.