Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Is it safe to potty train my young puppy on shared apartment grass?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 1 day old | 10 lbs

I live in an apartment where grass is shared with neighbors who don't always pick up their dogs poop. I have an 8 week old puppy who had her first round of vaccines at 6 weeks and will get her 2nd round this friday at 9 weeks. Is it safe to take her on this grass to potty train since there are other dogs that we do not know on this grass?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 28th, 2018

There is always some risk. Parvovirus lives in the environment for 5+ years so you can bring it home on your shoes any day. Certainly on areas where dogs defecate there can be a higher possibility if virus present, but as long as you are vaccinating at 3-4 week intervals then you are providing the best immunity possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on March 28th, 2018
Congratulations on your new addition! The reason for a series of puppy vaccinations every 3-4 weeks is to prevent any gap in protection as they lose immunity from their mother. My only concern would be if Piper did not come from a good breeder who appropriately vaccinated the mother and puppies. If she came from a good breeder who gave all vaccinations appropriately, then I would not be concerned. Since no vaccination is 100% effective, you should avoid high risk areas such as dog parks for now, but a shared grass space for potty training should be low risk.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

How safe is it for my 14-week puppy to go outside for potty?

It honestly depends on how many other pets are in your apartment complex. Some viruses, such as parvo, can stay in the environment for several months. If you are taking him out, making sure to use paths that aren't frequented by other pets, or even bringing out a potty pad for him to go on (to get used to the routine of going out to go potty, but remaining safe) can help. As for socialization, socializing with people or pets whose vaccine history you know is the best option until your vet gives the OK to be around strange pets.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

New puppy after parvo loss: How to care and safely toilet train?

Parvo virus is transmitted from the feces/vomit of one infected dog directly to another (it can survive in the soiled environment for over 12months if not adequately cleaned and disinfected with bleach). She should be isolated from any areas where she may have contact with non-vaccinated dogs or their feces until after her second parvo vaccination but your own house (or enclosed garden) should be relatively safe as long as any accidents from your previous pup have been removed and bleached/steamed

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When is it safe for my puppy to go outside after vaccinations?

Congrats on your new puppy! Because you will not have a private yard and cannot be sure that your area will be virus free, Niko should stay confined from public areas until at least two weeks after his final shots at 16 weeks of age. Parvovirus can live in the environment outside for up to a year, so it's extremely important to make sure he has no contact with that, or any other potential life threatening viruses. You can train Niko to use pee pads instead until he is fully vaccinated, and then work on house training him.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is parvo still a risk on new carpet for my unvaccinated puppy?

Parvo virus is press in the fecal content. So wherever the last puppy went to the. Athroom isbwhere it will be the worst, outside is usually the hard part. From there if you touch it or step in the affected areas it can travel anywhere on your clothes or shoes. If you changed the carpet and disinfected all the surfaces, then It should not be in the new carpet. Vaccines can be started at 6 weeks but if he has had no shots then start him right away and get it boostered every 2-3 weeks for protection

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is my unvaccinated puppy safe playing in the yard with my dog?

As long as Lola is only playing in your own yard with your other dog the risk for parvovirus infection is low. I would still recommend avoiding places like dog parks where you can't be sure of the health status of other dogs. If your yard has not had any dogs in it who were parvovirus positive in the last year you should be safe. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

How soon can my puppy potty train outside after first vaccinations?

You can get started right away! Consistency is the key to house training, so be sure to take Emmitt outside often - after eating, napping, playing, or at least every 2-3 hours. Reward appropriate potty behavior with praise and a small treat. If you catch him in the act of eliminating in the house, say "no" and take him straight outside. If you find an accident around the house, there is no need to scold or punish him. The main concern at this point is that Emmitt is not fully vaccinated against some highly contagious viruses, such as parvovirus. Until he has received his full distemper/parvovirus vaccine series, keep him away from other dogs. This includes areas where other dogs may have previously eliminated, such as parks or around your neighborhood. Keep Emmitt confined to your backyard until his vaccine series is complete.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is it safe for my 9-week-old puppy to potty outside in the garden?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She should be fine going out in your yard. There is a fine line between socialization, house training and exposing the puppy to infectious disease. Most of the worrisome disease are from direct dog to dog contact from sneezing/coughing or fecal-oral. I think your yard is fine. I do not recommend contact with other puppies or dogs are not vaccinated. Keep her up to date on her DHPP by getting it every 3-4 weeks until she receives 2 past 12 weeks of age. I wish you the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share