What are safe care options for an unvaccinated puppy when I'm away?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is a fine line between being too over protective and not socializing the puppy enough. I think walks on side walks and NON dog parks are fine. I think playing with healthy (not recently sick or currently sick) and 100% vaccinated animals is also fine. I do not recommend boarding, doggie daycare or dog parks until 2 weeks after the puppy's final vaccinations. So yes I think it absolutely fine for your friend to visit. Humans can carry viruses. If it has been 2 months since her previous dog died of parvo it is likely safe. She should leave her shoes outside and have clean clothes on. Have her wash her hands before playing with your puppy. If she recently, with in 2 months, had a parvo infected dog that is still alive in her house I would not have her visit. Good luck!

1)He can have his puppy shots before the trip. The vaccinations actually activate the immune system (this is what vaccinations do). 2)You can stay at a pet friendly hotel, however I would leaved him in a crate so he cannot run around and sniff possible "left-behinds" from other dogs. It would bot be advisable to let him sleep out in the cold at this age. While you are on the trip do not let other people pet him or touch him. Do not let him get in contact with dogs other than your own vaccinated dogs. He should be alright then.

The breeder is correct that Edith should avoid contact with other dogs if you do not know their vaccination status, but she can have contact with dogs who are fully vaccinated. Parvovirus can be carried a person's shoes and clothes, which is why the breeder implied avoiding contact with people who have dogs. That being said, as long as the dogs at the home where your father is staying are fully vaccinated, there is no problem with him coming to see you :-)

It is possible, although rare, for people to bring infectious agents into a home on shoes, clothes etc which a pup is not fully protected against until after the course has been completed and onset of immunity is generally a week or so after full vaccination. Similar to newborn children, general precautions of clean clothes and shoe, washing hands and avoiding contact with any owners of pets who have recently been unwell would be sensible. Do not take puppy to public areas or parks or mix with any dogs which are not fully vaccinated with up to date boosters.

Congratulations on your new baby! First, I would talk to your vet about puppy vaccinations to make sure that Reece is on schedule and protected. It is very important to get Reece well socialized with other dogs and people in a safe way. One thing that I had luck with was puppy socialization class. They are often offered at training facilities and some veterinary clinics. In order to go to these events, owners have to show proof of vaccination, so you will know that Reece is around other dogs that are properly vaccinated. I would also ask your veterinarian if they have any similar suggestions. I hope that helps!

Congratulations on your new puppy! I've been in this situation as well, driving several hours home from a breeder's house with a new pup who needs to pee :) Your puppy will almost certainly need to go to the bathroom at some point during the trip - so yes, you'll need to stop somewhere. As long as he has started his vaccine series, his risk of contracting parvo or other diseases is really quite low as the vaccines are very effective... so you should use common sense and not put him in high-risk situations, but there's no reason that he can't walk in the grass for a few minutes to potty. I do normally recommend avoiding rest areas and other places that large numbers of people walk their dogs - instead, stop at a fast food restaurant or a gas station a mile or two from the highway, since this should be a much lower-traffic area in terms of strange dogs. And yes, I would recommend a crate for the car ride, for safety. Put a soft blanket and a toy or two from the breeder's, if she has one that she can send so that he has something that smells familiar.

Hi! How exciting! And yes, they do need lot's of exercise. I would avoid places where he can encounter other dogs, especially puppies. The biggest threat is parvo for puppies, and he'll have some immunity from the 2 vaccines, but until a few days after his last vaccines, I would avoid places that other puppies have been or might be encountered. Also make sure he's on a good dewormer (check with your vet what is appropriate for where you live). Have fun with your new puppy!