When can my puppy get shots and go outside before fully vaccinated?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and congratulations on your new puppy! Unfortunately, Maximus is not fully vaccinated at this point, so he should not be going outside. Depending on your state, he can be fully vaccinated by 12 or 16 weeks. If this was his first round of shots, he will need a booster in 2-4 weeks and then his Rabies vaccine at 12-16 weeks as well as his last booster. Maximus should have minimal contact with other dogs (even where other dogs have gone to the bathroom) as you can’t be sure they are not carrying any of the viruses that Maximus is not vaccinated for that can make him very sick. I know it is difficult to keep a large active puppy inside, but your vet can work with you to have Maximus fully vaccinated in a reasonable amount of time.

Yes, I think it is ok for her to walk around your property. If she is not completely vaccinated, then I would keep her away from unknown dogs or unvaccinated puppies, dog parks, and pet stores. She should be okay around other dogs that you know the owners have stayed current on vaccines. I am not a fan of peepads unless you plan on using them for life because they just train a dog that going potty inside is okay!

Magdalene is adorable! Thanks for posting a picture. I think the answer to your question really depends on where you will be taking her. She will not be fully protected until 2 weeks after her last vaccination, so you will certainly want to avoid any areas that other puppies may have been to avoid exposing her to Distemper, Parvo or respiratory viruses. Since Leptospirosis is also a concern in HI, you will want to avoid water or areas that flood. I am attaching a handout about Lepto below. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=573 I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Luna is such a cutie! If the other dog is current on vaccines and parasite control (such has heartworm prevention as it typically also cover intestinal parasites), then it should be fine for her to stay. I would have you, and the dog sitting family, avoid scenarios with her that involve lots of other dogs (dog parks, etc). These are high risk envirnments for puppies that are not fully vaccinated yet. As for the dog sitting family, it would be good for her to be socialized with another dog. I would just recommend introducing them slowly and on neutral territory. If they get along, she will likely have a lot of fun while you are gone!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. She can certainly go outdoors in your yard. She can do short walks in areas that are not frequented by other dogs. What you want to avoid is high traffic areas for dogs such as dog parks, common areas in apartment complexes or hiking trails until she is fully vaccinated. I hope this information helps!

I would wait a few days after the second vaccination to take her out. However I would wait until a few days after the third vaccination before going to a dog park. The body needs time to make antibodies, and that happens in the days after a vaccination.

I prefer she not be around other dogs until she’s 14 weeks old and has finished her vaccinations. You certainly can take her out and about as long as you minimize her contact with other dogs. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mia.