In Nigeria where the warm weather and environment make it easier for infections to spread, it’s especially important to ensure your dog gets vaccinated at the right time. This simple act of care can save your pet’s life and even protect your family.
Why vaccines are so important
Vaccines work by teaching your dog’s immune system how to fight dangerous viruses and bacteria before they ever get sick. Diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper are deadly but completely preventable through timely vaccination. Some of these diseases, especially rabies, can even spread to humans, making vaccination not just an act of love, but a legal and social responsibility. If you keep up with your dog’s vaccine schedule, you’ll also avoid the heartbreak and high cost of treating preventable illnesses. It’s much cheaper to prevent than to cure.
Image showing a pet vaccinated by a Veterinary Doctor (source: Shutterstock)
The two most important dog vaccines in Nigeria
- The rabies vaccine
The anti-rabies vaccine is one of the most important shots your dog will ever receive, and in Nigeria, it’s required by law. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can pass from dogs to humans through bites or even saliva. This makes it one of the most feared zoonotic diseases in the world. Your puppy should get its first rabies vaccine between 12 and 16 weeks of age. This first shot provides protection for about one year, after which your vet will give a booster every 12 months to maintain strong immunity.
- The DHLPP vaccine
The DHLPP vaccine is a single combined shot that protects your dog against five deadly diseases: distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. These are some of the most common and dangerous infections that affect dogs in Nigeria. Your puppy should begin this vaccine series between 6 and 8 weeks old, followed by 2nd shot between 10 – 12 weeks of age and then 3rd shot between 14 – 16 weeks. This schedule helps their growing immune system build lasting protection. Once your dog completes this initial series, they should get a booster once a year for life to stay protected. Skipping DHLPP shots puts your dog at risk of severe illnesses like parvovirus, which can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration, or distemper, which attacks the lungs and brain. Treating these diseases can cost tens of thousands of naira and sometimes, sadly, there’s no cure. Regular vaccination is the safest and most affordable way to prevent them.
Example of a typical dog vaccination plan
Even though schedules may vary slightly depending on your vet, here’s a general Nigerian vaccination timeline to guide you:
- First DHLPP dose: Administered at 6–8 weeks of age.
- Second DHLPP dose: Administered at 10–12 weeks of age.
- Third DHLPP dose: Administered at 14–16 weeks of age.
- Rabies vaccine: Administered at 3 months of age or older, potentially with the third DHLPP shot.
If you have a dog in Nigeria, keeping up with their vaccines is one of the kindest and smartest things you can do. Vaccines protect your pet from painful, deadly illnesses, and some, like rabies, are also required by law. Always talk to a licensed Veterinary Doctor about your dog’s vaccination plan, especially if you’re unsure about timing or missed any shots. And remember, prevention will always cost far less than treatment.
At Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital, we offer affordable, complete vaccination packages for dogs of all ages, including record tracking, reminders, and professional follow-up care. Reach out to us today through 08143397614.
