Why Adopt a Street Puppy?
Indian street dogs (often called "Indies" or "Desi dogs") are resilient, intelligent, and well-adapted to the Indian climate. They tend to have fewer breed-specific health problems and make loyal, affectionate companions.
First 24 Hours
Immediate Vet Visit
Take the puppy to a veterinarian as soon as possible for:
- General health assessment — check for injuries, deformities, malnourishment
- Deworming — nearly all street puppies carry intestinal worms
- Skin check — mange (scabies) is extremely common in street puppies
- Flea and tick treatment — start prevention immediately
- Temperature and weight — baseline measurements
Isolation
If you have other pets at home:
- Keep the new puppy in a separate room for at least 14 days
- Wash your hands between handling pets
- Do not share bowls, bedding, or toys until the vet clears the puppy
Week 1: Settling In
- Offer small, frequent meals of easily digestible food (boiled rice + boiled chicken, or puppy-specific kibble)
- Provide a quiet, warm sleeping area
- Avoid overwhelming the puppy with too many people or stimuli
- Start house training with consistent potty breaks
Vaccination Schedule
If vaccination history is unknown, most vets recommend starting fresh:
| Age / Timing | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| Day of adoption | Deworming + flea treatment |
| 1 week later | 1st DHPPi (if puppy is 6+ weeks) |
| 3 weeks after 1st dose | 2nd DHPPi booster |
| 3 weeks after 2nd dose | 3rd DHPPi + Anti-Rabies |
| 2–3 weeks later | Final booster |
| Annually | DHPPi + Rabies boosters |
Note: Your vet may adjust this based on age, health status, and local disease prevalence.
Common Health Issues in Street Puppies
Mange (Scabies)
- Causes intense itching, hair loss, and crusty skin
- Highly treatable with ivermectin or similar medication
- Usually resolves within 4–6 weeks with treatment
Intestinal Worms
- Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are almost universal
- Deworming is typically done every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months
Parvovirus Risk
- Street puppies have higher exposure to parvo
- Watch for bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy
- Vaccination is critical — do not delay
Malnutrition
- Malnourished puppies need gradual refeeding — not large meals
- Your vet may recommend supplements (calcium, iron, vitamins)
- Weight gain should be steady, not rapid
30-Day Health Checklist
- Vet check within 24 hours
- First deworming dose
- Flea/tick treatment started
- Mange treatment if needed
- First vaccination (if age-appropriate)
- Stool sample tested
- Feeding routine established
- Second deworming (2 weeks after first)
- Second vaccination booster
- Weight gain tracked
Long-Term Care
Street puppies that receive proper early care grow into incredibly healthy, hardy dogs. Indian street dogs typically:
- Live 12–15 years with good care
- Handle the Indian climate naturally
- Have strong immune systems
- Bond deeply with their families
This article is for educational purposes only. Always work with your veterinarian for your puppy's specific needs.