When is it safe to bring puppy out?

First time dog owner here. How many weeks old would it be safe to bring a new puppy out to places like the local park and playground, or just walking around the neighborhood?

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Permalink Reply by Tomahawk and Fences on September 20, 2012 at 2:16pm

I personally don't take my dogs to any high dog-traffic area until they are fully vaccinated. So no pet stores, dog parks, regular parks, anywhere really that many dogs frequent.I have a four month old puppy who is on her second round of shots, and I only take her around my block for walks. I believe if you follow the vaccination schedule starting at 8 or 9 weeks, most puppies should be ready to go about 4 months. I got her at 12 weeks and she hadn't had any shots so she should be ready about the 5 month mark.

I know I go a little crazy about keeping them away from the outside world until they are fully vaccinated, but where I live, the majority of people do not vaccinate their dogs so parvo and distemper run rampant. My vet says they see at least 5 cases of parvo a day.

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Permalink Reply by Beth on September 20, 2012 at 3:03pm

I would talk to your vet; parvo risks vary widely depending on where you live. It also depends on when vaccines started and the type. It used to be not until 16 weeks that pups were fully vaccinated, but with the newer high-titer vaccines most reputable sources I have seen say 14 weeks, again depending on when they started and breed type.

If you are in a low-risk parvo area, I would say get them out and about one week to 10 days after the SECOND parvo/distemper shot, while avoiding areas that are highly trafficked by dogs or where stray dogs are likely. If you live in a high-risk area, then 10 days or so after the LAST shot for parvo/distemper.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on September 20, 2012 at 5:40pm

As others have said, talk to your vet. In my area we seen parvo ALL the time, even in puppies who have had one or two vaccines. We see it probably once or twice a day during regular hours, I'm not sure how many come in on emergency also because I am not there during that time. So in my area we say no going out until all vaccines are done, which is usually right around 16 weeks. You can do socializing through puppy classes offered by respectable trainers that require dogs to be vaccinated ot join the class and you can take your puppy to socialize with friends or family dogs who are also vaccinated and have never had parvo.

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Permalink Reply by Jane on September 21, 2012 at 1:39pm

The AVMA suggests that puppies should begin socialization classes at 8 weeks of age I believe. I wouldn't take a puppy to a dog park, but definitely get them out there and socialized as much as possible in safer areas.