When can I take my puppies out to the public?

Question

I have four puppies at 6 weeks old and they've just got their first shots. I was wondering how old do the puppies have to be or after how many shots will the puppy be immuned enough so that I can take them traveling (normal errand runs) without them getting all kinds of diseases? Or getting sick?

i have chihuahuas... sorry forgot to mention that...

Answer 1

they can be taken to non dog areas now, to teach them to be comfortable in a car..However, only walked where others have walked after their second shots, or 12 weeks is safest..
Meanwhile, visiting friend's/ relatives' homes who have healthy dogs, or no dogs is good socialization for them..But, no walking on lawns where other dogs may frequent..Flies carry Parvo, too..so if Parvo is in your area, it is safest to keep them indoors at home..or in the car..

there are no set 'rounds' of shots..the reason that 3 shots are normally given, is that you are hoping to catch the immune system while it is receptive to creating anti-bodies to build resistance to the diseases...Dogs immune system isn't fully developed until 16-20 weeks, so last shot should be given after that time..
this is a good tutorial to help you understand vaccinations > http://www.naturalrearing.com/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/search.htm

Answer 2

I've been a DVM for 20 years, been in the profession for 27, and I agree with Melissa....

Yes, it is important to avoid diseases like distemper and parvo....and it's true that we can't be reasonably sure they are "totally" immune until around 4 months of age (assuming they started the series earlier than that.) <---[keep in mind, however, that NOTHING in life is 100% guaranteed to happen....except death and taxes. LOL.]

But realistically, partial immunity starts to kick in around 2 weeks after the first vaccination, when we give them the first booster. The reason it's partial is because the pup still has antibodies from his mom which are destroying our vaccine while we're trying to get his immune system to recognize it and make his OWN antibodies. Every pup has different amounts of those maternal antibodies at different times. Some pups lose theirs and can respond to the vaccine as early as 6-8 weeks. Others don't lose theirs, and their immune system therefore can't fully respond, until 4 months (longer for certain breeds.) You can't tell from just looking at the pup where he is in that cycle. You'd have to do blood tests every few days to know for sure. To complicate matters even further, there is a window of opportunity in there (for the viruses) where the antibodies from the mother are low enough that they can no longer protect the pup, but high enough that the pup's immune system is prevented from fully responding to the vaccine. That's how it is possible for some pups to come down with the very diseases we're trying to prevent *before* they finish the vaccination series (which is anywhere from 2-5 vaccines, depending on too many factors to go into here.) And that's why we give boosters every 2-3 weeks until the pup is at LEAST 4 months old.

Anyway.....

That's possible whether you take your pups anywhere in public or not. The viruses can live for a long time in the environment and are airborne. Just use common sense and don't go anywhere sick dogs are likely to (or KNOWN to) have congregated. If he catches a minor little cold, that's no big deal. (Just like with children.) If they happen to catch something more serious, then we just deal with it. (Keep your fingers crossed, though, that that won't happen!)

Melissa's exactly right, imo....the most important part of a pup's personality is formed BY the age of 4 months. That's much too important of a golden opportunity to socialize and help shape that personality to let it pass by. Just use common sense (pretty much the way Chetco explained) and keep your fingers crossed.

(Also....make sure they stay with each other and their mom until at least 8 weeks of age. That is important socialization experience that they NEED.)

Answer 3

You can take your pups out traveling at 6 to 8 weeks after their first round of shots ..Dog breeder & trainer of Labs for the blind for 14 years

Answer 4

Chetco gave great info on where to take the pups and what is safe. I just have to underscore the importance of socializing your pup early. I understand vets saying to wait until all shots are done. Their job is to advocate for the physical health of your pup. But mental health is just as important. Not taking a pup out into the world until it is four months old is akin to not taking a child outside until she is about six years old. It is a terrible way to start the pup's life. Pups are most open to socialization and new experiences before they are four months old. If you wait until all shots are done you will miss a tremendous opportunity.

Answer 5

My vet reccomended keeping my puppy out of the public until after she's had all her shots. So at least until they're 4 months. 6 weeks is VERY young and they haven't had all their shots!

Answer 6

pups need three rounds of boosters before full immunity sets in and then one a year afterwards. We always do shots at 6, 10 and 15 weeks. And we don't let them around strange places or animals until their last shots since they can still catch parvo until their full immunity kicks in...

Answer 7

My sister started taking her puppy out after four months from when she gave him the first shots.... at least that's what I think. Ask your vet just to be sure :)

Answer 8

Make sure it has all of its shots, it's good to start socializing a pup early

Answer 9

Hmmm...that's a good question. I would guess a few monthes as long as they have had all of their shots and stopped breast feeding from the mother dog.

Answer 10

Right away-the more they are exposed to people and interacting with other animals the more they respond and get along with others. Have fun