Question?

[dottiesyrky]

I should know this but I please ask for a definitive answer. What age is it safe to take a puppy out into the wide world?
On our walks I see many pups that look very young and when I ask the age I have been told anything from eight weeks and up. I thought that vaccinations were not complete for many more weeks? I also wonder what new owners are told about vaccinations and safety if they buy from a pet store or BYB!
Thank you.

[airplane]

My little girl just got her 3rd and final vaccination, and the doctor told me 10 days after the final vaccination should be fine. The vaccination schedule was spaced 4 weeks apart from each other. So it went 9, 13, and then at 17 weeks for the last one plus rabies at 17 weeks as well. Where I live parvovirus is really common and lots of people don't vaccinate their dogs.

[dottiesyrky]

Thank you for your kind reply.
So it seems that it is safe at 17 weeks plus 10 days or around 4-5 months? That is more like I thought, certainly not at 8 weeks!!
Scary that many do not vax against Parvo if it is common!
I might pluck up courage to suggest to these people with such young dogs to vax them and keep them safer!

[tb98rock]

Teddy was never around animals like grooming and such until after all vaccinations I still don't have him around other dogs unless the other owner of a dog teddy wants to sniff at Petsmart or the nature trail is ok! Never let your baby approach another without the other owners ok! But it's good to be exposed as soon as vaccinations are done! Teddy's only really played with my grandmas outside cat and my brothers new kitten

[Britster]

I have never heard of keeping a dog strictly indoors until 4-5 months old. Seems crazy to me. Obviously skip dog parks, pet stores, etc, but after the 2nd set of vaccines, most pups are going to be fine to go outside.

[dottiesyrky]

Thank you for your input. The reason I asked the question is that I was not sure when it was safe to be interacting with other dogs. I mainly go to parks where I see many dogs and pups, and who knows what is in the grass? I see these little 8 week babies running around and sniffing other dogs and just wondered if it was a good idea. There are also wild animals around that could carry disease and contaminate the ground. The owners do not seem to be aware that there are dangers out there for unvaccinated pets.

[Wylie's Mom]

In my experience at the shelter where I volunteer - the vast majority of people are not at all aware that there are precautions to take w/ unvaccinated pets.

[Cherie6446]

I agree with Brit - waiting for four/five mos to take the pup out in a social setting is not for me. I wouldn't go to the dog park but certainly taking the little one to the store and meeting people is good socialization.

[capt_noonie]

I had no idea when we got Uni. She was 12 weeks and we took her to Petsmart and allowed her to walk on the floor and meet other dogs. I would never do this now, but she turned out fine.

Now after I knew better, I have seen tiny puppies on the grass and I asked how old, and I got answers from 8 weeks to 3 months.

[Janalynn]

We got Mia at 9 1/2 weeks. We started outdoor potty training right away. Never could have kept her in for 4 months! However, we were very careful - no other dogs or walking on grass where other dogs may have pottied.

[SharonSnowbird]

I am just dying to take little Miss Lacy into my backyard so she can run around, but being a paranoid mom, I am waiting until after last puppy shots. Or am I being TOO careful? She has only had her 2nd set of shots. Is it safe to let her in my backyard before her 3rd shots? I read somewhere where birds, or mice or other rodents could leave infected poop behind and infect my pup???

[dottiesyrky]

Thanks for all your input. I would not think pups cannot go outside the home for many months, but that care should be taken when we do take them out.
I am sure that good breeders give advice on vax and the rules for taking pups out. But I am amazed by some owners of very young babies who have no idea of the dangers when out and about. I don't know if rescues inform new owners about the hazards and vax regimens, but I feel that many BYBs and puppy mills do not advise about these things.
It is the grassy areas that concern me as all owners do not pick up after their pets and my dog for one loves to investigate poop if I do not catch him in time!
As for pet stores, I mentioned once before here that my dog was going towards another dog outside a Petsmart and when I asked the owner if it was ok, she said, well perhaps not as he has Parvo!!? This dog had been into the store walking about with that horrible disease. I picked up my dog fast and put him in the cart!!! So you never know and having the right vax is imperative.

[Shicks]

Originally Posted by Britster

I have never heard of keeping a dog strictly indoors until 4-5 months old. Seems crazy to me. Obviously skip dog parks, pet stores, etc, but after the 2nd set of vaccines, most pups are going to be fine to go outside.

I agree. You have to get on a schedule as quick as possible. No grooming, parks,
Anyone's yard, etc.
They deserve to be outside to familiarize their territory.

[gemy]

I agree backyard is fine Even down your driveway. No pet stores dog parks etc. I visit folks homes that either do not own dogs or I know that their dogs are vaccinated.