Can I vaccinate my 7-week-old puppies after distemper exposure?

You can give any puppy a vaccine as long as their temperature is normal and they are not actively sick. However, you do run the risk of vaccinating a puppy who already has been exposed, but just hasn't had a full display of symptoms yet. This is an unfortunate situation to be in. Eye mucous is not a clear sign of distemper, but instead it would entail the full scope of the disease which is lethargy, not eating, fever, upper airway infection symptoms, etc. I would suggest getting a vet involved to do a full exam on these puppies first to determine which are not healthy enough for vaccination, and then try to isolate the sick ones to hopefully help prevent the entire litter from catching it. Hopefully you can save a few of these puppies. Treatment for distemiper is costly and very rarely will result in survival. It is just a terrible disease and I hope the best for your pups as they try to get through this. Best wishes and take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Charlie. Puppies are typically vaccinated for the distemper virus. However, some are never taken to a veterinarian. So I would certainly recommend having Charlie vaccinated now. He would need an initial vaccine and then a booster in 3-4 weeks. This will ensure that he is adequately protected. I hope this information helps!

Distemper doesn’t live very well outside of an animal. To be on the safe side I would wait a few weeks to a month before bringing a new puppy into the environment. I would also clean everything with bleach. I would also make sure the new puppy has already had its first set of vaccines. The puppy will need shots every 3 weeks until it is 15-16 weeks old. I hope this helps.

When you are discussing vaccinations I am assuming you are referring to the distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza combination vaccine (DAPP). If Theodore is only about 6 weeks old he will need at least 3-4 more DAPP vaccines spaced approximately one month apart to be fully protected against distemper. Because Theodore will be at risk until he receives all of his distemper booster shots it is best to minimize his risk by not taking him to places where sick dogs may have been. So avoiding dog parks, pet stores, and kennels is a good idea. I would recommend starting veterinary visits for Theodore around 8 weeks of age so he can be examined and another DAPP vaccine can be given. Please remember to bring a fecal sample with you to the vet visit so he can be checked for intestinal parasites. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and good luck with Theodore!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. As long as your other dogs are fully vaccinated against distemper, they cannot get it. Make sure they are up to date on their distemper vaccines before introducing Manila to them. I hope this helps!

As long as Bruno is fully vaccinated, he should not be in any danger of getting distemper - even if he may have had some brief contact with an infected puppy. The vaccine for this disease is extremely effective, so I wouldn't worry :)

I am so sorry for your loss. There is a risk for bringing in another puppy so soon after distemper was in your place. Good news is that distemper isn’t a very sturdy virus without a “host” so if you thoroughly cleaned, Rancho will likely be okay but no guarantee. I would throw away any bedding or toys the other dog used. I would also keep a really close eye on your new dog for any symptoms that are concerning. I hope this helps!