Can my puppy get parvo from my back garden? As long as your outside space is secure and free from unvaccinated dogs she will not contract parvo or other viruses from your back garden. Unvaccinated dogs (unvaccinated puppies are most at risk) can catch parvovirus from an infected dog, an infected dog poo or anything an infected dog has touched such as a dog lead, food bowl, bedding, human hands and clothes.
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Can I take my 8 week old puppy out for a walk? Although your pup can go outside in your safe space, how soon can you take your puppy for a walk? It’s really important to wait until she is fully vaccinated before taking her out walking where other dogs have been. Fully vaccinated means a week to two weeks after the second jab in her primary vaccination course. Puppies are typically vaccinated at eight and ten weeks (although they can be vaccinated as early as four-six weeks) with the second dose usually being given two to four weeks later. On average most puppies will be fully vaccinated at around 14-16 weeks. But as always, it’s best to speak to your vet about the best timings. If she’s not fully vaccinated before going where other dogs have been she could be at risk of contracting parvovirus (parvo) or distemper – both nasty illnesses, potentially fatal to your pup..
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You’ve brought your new bundle of joy home and they’re settling in well but you can’t wait to take them for their first walk to see how they react to the big wide world – and – let’s be honest show them off! It’s also really good for their socialisation too so let’s look at what you need to do to keep them safe before they go out of the house for the first time
Puppy vaccinations – when is it OK to walk a puppy?
I believe it’s OK to walk your puppy before he’s had his vaccinations. Use common sense and keep the walks to your own yard and neighborhood. Avoid areas with a lot of dog traffic such as dog parks and dog beaches.
Exercising a puppy, socializing a puppy and potty training a puppy are all very important. But some new puppy owners hold back on walks in order to keep the puppy “safe” until he’s had all his puppy vaccinations. (Usually around 4 months old.)
I get a lot of comments and emails along the lines of, “I have to use puppy pads because I can’t take my puppy outside for another two months.”
Or, “How can I exercise my puppy? He’s barking all day, but my vet said to keep him indoors for three more weeks.”
I’m not sure if vets are truly telling people to keep their puppies indoors at all times or if people are misunderstanding the advice. Yes, it’s good to be a bit cautious. But you do not have to totally isolate your puppy, either.
There are real risks of diseases such as parvo and distemper, and that is why some vets recommend keeping your puppy indoors.
But there are also risks to not socializing and exercising a puppy. Many young and healthy dogs are surrendered to shelters every year due to a lack of exercise, socialization and training.
So … you have to weigh the pros and cons for your own area and comfort level. Parvo is a more serious risk in some areas and a very low risk in other areas.
Your dog’s vet will be able to give you the best advice for your area. You could also call another vet for a 2nd opinion and check with local animal shelters.
*If you just got a new puppy, download my free puppy training guide. Click Here
The best toys to keep your puppy entertained
A Kong. This one has come into play more since we’ve been taking Wilf to the pub with us – a filled Kong will keep him going through starters and main courses, while the attention of several waitresses gets him through dessert. It worked just as well at home, giving him the chance to puzzle solve with an instant reward. We pack with low-value treats and cheese – he won’t have it with normal kibble.
A puzzle ball. This type of toy is perfect – your pup can roll it around the floor and be rewarded when treats fall out. My advice is to make sure that you get a rubber one that doesn’t clatter – Wilf’s does, and within a couple of minutes his barks accompany it to create a beautiful backing track to my morning meetings.
Chews. Our favourites are either dental sticks or Nylabones – but if you’re going for a Nylabone, I’d stick with a single brown puppy-sized bone, rather than a multi pack. They’re great to throw as they don’t clatter, but the blue multi-pack bones can splinter for harder biters and the white one is noisy.
Can I walk my puppy before vaccinations? | Dog School | Dogs Trust
Desperate to take your puppy outside? Find out when it’s safe for you to take them on their first big adventure into the big, wide world.
It’s hardly surprising that you want to take your puppy out to experience the wonders that exist beyond the confines of your home – to meet fellow puppies, break in their lead and be stopped by endless streams of passers-by, all craving the chance of a cuddle with your new best friend. However it is not safe for young, unvaccinated puppies to go outside just yet.