Last checked against the sources below on 20-10-2026. This is general information; your vet decides your puppy’s care.
Bringing home an indie puppy is one of the best things you can do. Indies (Indian native dogs) are a landrace that evolved through natural selection rather than human breeding, and they’re known for erect ears, a short coat and a curled tail. [S1] But a puppy is a puppy: the first month sets up its health for life. This checklist is based on veterinary guidelines. For more on caring for dogs, visit our dog hub.
Week 1: the first vet visit
- The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) says most puppies should have their first check-up at 6 to 8 weeks old, then visits every 3 to 4 weeks until they’re around 4 to 5 months old. [S2]
- That first visit typically covers parasite treatment and prevention, and socialisation techniques. [S2]
- If you don’t know your puppy’s age (common with rescued indies), your vet can estimate it from the teeth and size.
Take with you: any record from the shelter or rescuer, a stool sample if your vet asks, and a list of questions.
Deworming
The University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College advises that puppies be dewormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months. [S3] If your puppy came from the street, assume it hasn’t been dewormed and ask your vet to start straight away. Use only the dewormer and dose your vet gives; never guess a dose by weight yourself.
Vaccines
- Core vaccines protect against canine distemper, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus. [S4]
- Puppies need several doses, every 2 to 4 weeks, with the final dose at 16 weeks of age or older, because antibodies from the mother interfere with the vaccine. [S4]
- The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) advises another dose at or after 26 weeks, rather than waiting until 12 to 16 months. [S4]
- Where rabies is endemic, as in India, rabies vaccination should be considered essential. [S4]
Until the series is complete, keep your puppy away from areas where unknown dogs gather and away from other dogs’ faeces; parvovirus spreads this way and is often fatal in puppies.
Socialisation: don’t wait until all vaccines are done
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says the sensitive period for socialisation runs until about 3 to 4 months of age, and that puppy classes can start as early as 7 to 8 weeks, before the vaccine series is complete. [S5] Its conditions: the puppy should have had at least one round of vaccines a week or more before the first class, plus a first deworming, and be free of illness. [S5]
Safe ways to socialise at home: gentle handling of paws, ears and mouth; new sounds at low volume; meeting healthy, fully vaccinated adult dogs you know; short car rides.
Settling in
- A quiet corner: a bed or crate away from foot traffic, where the puppy can’t be disturbed.
- A routine: meals, toilet breaks and sleep at the same times each day; puppies need to go out after waking, eating and playing.
- Food: a complete puppy food, in the amount your vet suggests. Avoid sudden changes, which upset small stomachs.
- Reward-based training: praise and treats for toileting outside; never punish accidents.
Your first-month shopping list
- a light collar or harness, an ID tag and a leash
- steel food and water bowls
- washable bedding
- chew toys
- a soft brush (indie coats are short and easy to care for [S1])
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
The two dates that matter most in the first months are the final puppy vaccine at 16 weeks or later and the dose at or after 26 weeks. [S4] Put them in your calendar the day you bring your puppy home, alongside the monthly deworming.
🐾 Our free Vaccination Tracker builds your puppy’s schedule, even if you don’t know the exact age, and a Pet Passport keeps every vaccine and deworming date in one place.
Frequently asked questions
When should I take my indie puppy to the vet?
As soon as you bring it home. AAHA says the first check-up is usually at 6 to 8 weeks, then every 3 to 4 weeks until about 4 to 5 months. [S2]
How often should I deworm my puppy?
At 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months, according to the Ontario Veterinary College; follow your vet’s product and dose. [S3]
Can my puppy meet other dogs before all vaccines are done?
AVSAB says socialisation classes can start at 7 to 8 weeks, at least a week after the first vaccines and first deworming. [S5] Avoid unknown dogs and their faeces until the series is complete.
Do indie puppies need all the same vaccines?
Yes. Core vaccines are recommended for dogs everywhere, and rabies vaccination is essential where rabies is endemic. [S4]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] The INDog Project (independent research and education initiative on Indian native dogs) – indog.co.in – Last checked: 20-10-2026
- [S2] American Animal Hospital Association, How often should my dog go to the vet? A dog life stage guide – aaha.org – Last checked: 20-10-2026
- [S3] University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College, Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Worms & Germs Blog: Deworming kittens and puppies – wormsandgermsblog.com – Last checked: 20-10-2026
- [S4] World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2024 Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats – wsava.org (PDF) – Last checked: 20-10-2026
- [S5] AVMA, JAVMA News: Behavior society supports early puppy socialization (AVSAB position) – avma.org – Last checked: 20-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource. This is not veterinary advice; follow your veterinarian’s plan for your puppy.