Safe time for puppy out in public

[banoel]

Hi all,

I will be picking up my new lab puppy on Tuesday (at age 7 weeks) and he will have received his first vaccine the day before (on Monday). I was wondering when it will be safe to bring him out in public to start socializing him. How many vaccines should he have before I do that or can I start right away?

[HersheyK's Dad]

Out in public, i.e. Petco, Petsmart, dog park, any park where people walk their dogs, after he.she has had the last in the series of shots plus 1 week. At least that is the guideline that I have always used.

Pets of friends and family. Have them bring their dogs over, but not straight from a dog park or any of the above. Same with taking the pup to visit.

See if you can sign up for a puppy training class. The places around here require shots be up to date, not complete, and 12 weeks old. I believe that is all but the final booster. You at least will be with others that care enough to have their dogs up to date, and a good instructor will be reinforcing the protocal for not exposing the pup to unnecessary risk.

[Tanwen]

Our vet organises 'puppy parties' so they don't miss out on socialising while waiting for their vaccinations to be completed. They were noisy affairs but fun (and a good chance ot talk to other puppy owners and 'compare notes' )

[BigBrownDog]

When at the Vets hold your puppy - don't put him on the floor. Parvo lives on surfaces and you don't want him picking up something from the sick dog that was there earlier in the day.

[banoel]

Thanks much for all of the advice. I really appreciate it.