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

When can my puppy safely walk outside after his parvo shots?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Our puppy just got his second Parvo shot. Is it safe to take him outside on walks now?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 17th, 2016

As long as your puppy stays current on his vaccination series (boosters every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age), he can certainly go on walks in your neighborhood. In fact, it's very important to get him out and about at this age since the critical socialization period for dogs last from 6 to 16 weeks of age - so he needs to be out seeing the world, the sooner the better. I would recommend avoiding dog parks and other busy areas where large numbers of unknown dogs have been, but it should be fine to walk him in quieter areas.

66Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
It would be best if you waited about two weeks after his final round of vaccines. If you must walk him, keep him away from dogs of unknown vaccine status and away from areas visited by many dogs. Remember that parvovirus is a very hardy virus that can live in the soil for 7+ years, so it's best to assure that your pup has maximal protection from vaccines before any potential exposure.
51Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on January 16th, 2018
Yes, it's fine for him to go out to potty and go for walks. Rabies can only be contracted through a bite from an infected animal, so it's extremely unlikely that he would be exposed if he's with you on-leash.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 25th, 2017
Considering she is 6 months now, if she had those vaccines at the age of 2 months (8weeks) and repeated after 3-4 weeks (following a standard protocol), that means that she is perfectly all right to go outside.
If she had only one injection of DA2HPPv there are some possibilities that she was not vaccinated correctly (as at that age the antibodies from the mother can cross react with the vaccine). In this case vaccine must be repeated and then after one week she can go out.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Mara Howard, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 30th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congrats on your new puppy. I typically recommend new puppies have no interaction with dogs of unknown vaccine status until after all their shots are completed, and avoid off-leash activities (such as dog parks, etc.) for the same period of time. Two weeks after their second distemper/parvovirus booster I encourage socialization with friendly dogs with a known up to date vaccine status. At 6-8 weeks most puppies typically spend some supervised time out in the yard in a controlled environment. If you have further questions or concerns, I would recommend reaching out to your regular veterinarian for further advice. Good luck!
3Pet 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

Is it safe for my 6-week-old puppy to walk before parvo shot?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Athena. The vaccine for the parvovirus can usually be given as young as 6 weeks of age. She can have the bordetella vaccine at this age as well. Her veterinarian will likely deworm her and start her on heartworm prevention at 8 weeks of age. Once she has had her initial vaccines and been started on parasite prevention, she can take short walks. You just will need to avoid areas that are frequented other dogs though. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it safe to walk my 3-month-old puppy after its second shots?

Hello, yes you can take your puppy out for walks however, you increase the likelihood that he may become sick. Because he has been vaccinated it makes it less likely, however, you should consider only allowing your puppy around other pets whom you know are fully vaccinated. We are most concerned with diseases such as Parvovirus, distemper, influenza, and kennel cough. Continue to follow the recommended vaccine schedule for your puppy and be cautious about which other dogs come in contact with your puppy. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is it safe to walk my vaccinated dog if new puppy has one parvo shot?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Moseley. It is safe to walk her around the neighborhood, but not the puppy. She will be protected and if she is kept away from other dogs, it's not likely she will bring anything back to the home that could infected the puppy. I hope this helps!

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

Can my puppy go outside after her second shots without Parvo risk?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is it safe to walk my 7-week-old puppy after his first shots?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share