When you bring a dog into your home, you take responsibility for a life that depends entirely on your decisions. And when it comes to your dog’s health, there are three diseases every pet parent must absolutely know about — Parvo, Distemper, and Rabies. These illnesses are not “rare,” not “old-school,” and definitely not something that happens to “other people’s pets.”

I see cases of canine Parvovirus and Distemper every single month, often in puppies that could have been saved simply with timely vaccinations. Rabies, while less common in vaccinated pets, remains a serious public health threat in India — and tragically, still fatal if ignored.

This blog breaks everything down in simple, practical terms so you can protect your pet — and your family — from these deadly diseases.

1. Understanding the Three Big Diseases

Before we discuss prevention, let’s understand what each disease actually does to your pet.

Parvovirus (Parvo) — The Deadliest Puppy Infection

Parvo is a highly contagious viral infection that attacks your dog’s intestines and immune system. It spreads through:

• Contaminated floors

• Soil

• Footwear

• Feces

• Even your clothes after contact with another dog

Common symptoms

• Severe vomiting

• Bloody or foul-smelling diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Sudden dehydration

• Low WBC count (seen on blood test)

Why it’s dangerous

Parvo kills faster than most pet parents expect. A puppy can go from “slightly dull” to “critical” in 12–24 hours. Early intervention dramatically increases survival chances.

Distemper — A Multi-system Viral Attack

Canine Distemper is one of the most misunderstood diseases. Many pet owners think it's just a “cold-like infection,” but the virus actually attacks:

• Lungs

• Intestines

• Nervous system

• Eyes

• Skin

Symptoms

Early signs:

• Fever

• Nasal discharge

• Eye discharge

• Coughing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

Late signs:

• Seizures

• Twitching

• Paralysis

• Thickened paw pads

Why it’s dangerous

Distemper is almost always fatal, especially after neurological symptoms appear. Even survivors often have lifelong complications.

Rabies — 100% Fatal, 100% Preventable

Rabies affects the brain and nervous system. It spreads only through bites or saliva from an infected animal (dogs, cats, monkeys, bats etc.)

Symptoms

• Behaviour changes

• Sudden aggression

• Excessive drooling

• Difficulty swallowing

• Paralysis

Why it’s dangerous

There is no cure once symptoms start. It’s fatal for both pets and humans — making prevention absolutely critical.

2. Why Vaccination is the Only Trusted Protection

Here’s the reality every pet parent must accept:

No home remedy, antibiotic, herbal mix, or “immunity supplement” can prevent Parvo, Distemper or Rabies. Only vaccines can.

Vaccines are safe, effective, and scientifically proven.

3. The Correct Vaccination Schedule (India)

For Puppies

For Adult Dogs

4. How Parvo, Distemper & Rabies Spread — And How to Prevent It

A. How Parvo Spreads

Parvo does NOT require dog-to-dog contact.
Your puppy can get infected simply by:

• Walking in a garden

• Sniffing another dog’s poop spot

• Contact with shoes of a visitor

• Being kept on society lawns

How to prevent Parvo

• Don’t take puppies outdoor till all 3 core vaccines are completed

• No contact with unvaccinated dogs

• Keep feeding bowls and floor clean

• Regularly disinfect with bleach/chlorine-based cleaners

• Follow vaccination schedule strictly

B. How Distemper Spreads

Distemper spreads through:

• Cough droplets

• Shared bowls

• Playgrounds

• Grooming centres

• Boarding facilities

• Infected dogs nearby

How to prevent Distemper

• Ensure all puppies finish DHPPi series

• Annual booster for adult dogs

• Avoid contact with stray dogs during puppyhood

• Keep home hygienic and ventilated

C. How Rabies Spreads

Rabies only spreads through:

• Bites

• Scratches

• Saliva entering an open wound

How to prevent Rabies

• Get Rabies vaccine every year

• Keep your dog away from stray animals

• Do not ignore wounds or scratches

• Report any bite immediately

5. Can a Vaccinated Dog Still Get Parvo or Distemper?

Yes — but rarely, and usually because of:

1. Missed boosters

Think of vaccines like a shield. Skip one booster, and the shield weakens.

2. Incomplete puppy schedule

Most cases occur because the puppy received only 1 or 2 vaccines, not the full 3-shot core series.

3. Low-quality vaccines or improper storage

Vaccines must be refrigerated properly.

4. High viral load exposure

Areas with heavy Parvo contamination can overwhelm immunity.

6. Can Humans Get These Diseases from Dogs?

• Parvo — No (but humans can carry virus on clothes)

• Distemper — No

• Rabies — YES, extremely dangerous

This is why the annual Rabies vaccine is a legal requirement in India.

7. Warning Signs You Must Never Ignore

If your dog shows ANY of these symptoms, consult a vet immediately:

Parvo warning signs

• Vomiting (even once)

• Bloody diarrhea

• Refusal to eat

• Extreme dullness

• Pale gums

Distemper warning signs

• Persistent cough

• Eye discharge

• Muscle twitching

• Seizures

• Weakness in legs

Rabies warning signs

• Sudden aggression

• Excessive drooling

• Paralysis

• Fear of light or water

Immediate medical attention can save lives — especially in Parvo & Distemper cases.

8. Doorstep Vaccinations — A Safe Way to Protect Your Pet

Many pet parents delay vaccination because of:

• Busy schedules

• Travel distance

• Stressful clinic experience

• Multi-pet households

• Puppies who panic outdoors

If this is the reason you’ve delayed boosters or puppy shots, switching to doorstep vaccination helps eliminate all excuses.

👉 You can book a Veterinarian for Vaccinations at Home here
https://petovac.com/service-detail/at-home-vaccination

Doorstep vaccination ensures:

• Zero travel stress

• Reduced infection exposure

• Comfort of familiar environment

• Complete vaccination tracking

• On-time reminders and guidance

9. Practical Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe Year-Round

1. Maintain a vaccination card

Never lose track of dates.

2. Avoid outdoor walking for unvaccinated puppies

Even a 1-minute garden visit can be risky.

3. Keep food and water bowls clean

Viruses can survive for days.

4. Deworm regularly

Parasites weaken immunity.

5. Don’t adopt a “street puppy” without immediate vet check-up

Stray puppies are at extremely high risk for Parvo & Distemper.

6. Keep adult boosters timely

Immunity does NOT last forever.

10. Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Always Easier Than Treatment

Parvo and Distemper treatments are long, expensive, and emotionally draining. Rabies is simply not treatable at all. But vaccination makes these diseases almost fully preventable.

By sticking to the correct schedule, understanding early symptoms, and avoiding risky exposure, you give your pet the safest, healthiest life possible.

Your pet depends on you — and vaccination is the one promise they absolutely need you to keep.