How worried should I be about my new puppy?

Question

I just recently got a new dog, and when we got her on the 20th of february, she had been vaccinated. We thought she was due for her next vaccination later this month, but apparently she was due for one on the 6th. Today is March 21st, and I am going to get her vaccinated tonight because I wanted to schedule the appointment for next week, but since it was so late, I wanted to have it done ASAP. I know I can't do much about it right now, but I am worried sick. How at risk is she?(Unless you actually have a good idea as to the truth of your answer, please don't respond with sarcastic answers, because I am really quite worried) I am 2 weeks behind on vaccinations to the day, does this mean she could get Parvo or something as equally nasty?

Answer 1

There is a chance your pup could contract something. If the dog has simply been in your home since you've had him (meaning, you dont take him to a dog daycare or training facility, he doesn't freely roam the neighborhood, he hasn't been in contact with other dogs/pups) then you should be OK. The only other possible ways your pup could acquire something is if you or someone else in your household carried something home from another animal on your clothing (minute possibility) and/or there's a dog, pup, or wild animal is close proximity to your home carrying the distemper (distemper is airborne, for the most part). Parvo is transmitted by physical contact between the infected animal and soon to be infected animal. So, if your pup hasn't been in contact with other animals, the chances that he has Parvo are slim to nil. 'm telling you these thing to scare you, simply to inform you. Definitely get you pup in soon to the Vet.

Two weeks, for puppy vaccines is late, but they still will have some of the immunity from the passed vaccine plus a hint of maternal immunity from their mother.

So, dont panic, trust me, your not the first owner to be late on their pup's vaccination...call your vet, and make the appointment.

Answer 2

All pups when they are not fully vaccinated is a risk for parvo. Even if shots are done on time. The chance is a little greater being that you are behind but you are catching him up and hopefully all should be well. It is nice to know that there are responsible and caring pet owners out there. Your pup should be fine especially if it hasnt been in contact woth other dogs that are NOT vaccinated.

Answer 3

You don't state how old the puppy is or the number of vaccination series she has received. She is probably building up immunity but doesn't have the total amount needed. Unless she is exposed to the disease cause or a carrier at your home, she is fairly safe.
However, get the vaccinations as soon as you can and keep her on schedule from that point on.
You are only human and sometimes life gets in the way of what we plan to do.

Answer 4

Well, she is at risk of infections, since she is not complete with her vaccinations. Talk to your vet about getting caught up on them. In the meantime, do not take your puppy to public places where she may come in contact with other dogs. Keep her at home, leaving only to take her to the vet for shots. In the waiting room, keep her close and don't let her near other dogs. If the owners ask, just tell them that she's not done with her shots yet.

Answer 5

I was late on a set of shots for my pup a few months ago, by about 2 or 3 weeks, they went ahead an got her caught up, my dog never got sick, from that short of a laps in shots, but you can ask a vet your question, to really put your mind at ease. Sometimes, you can't always trust asking a med problem on here, on whether you'll get a correct answer. Best of luck with your new puppy.

Answer 6

Most dogs require what they call a 6-way shot. They require the shot to be given at 2-4 week intervals, in till the dog reaches 12 weeks of age, where the dog will recieve a final vaccination shot called a 7-way. (the diffrence in the 6 and 7 way is the lepdoseria. Lepto will harm a dogs kidney's if given to them before 12 weeks of age) Anymore questions, feel free to email me at [e-mail]
I will be glad to help you anyway possible

Answer 7

I would get her caught up tonight and be careful about exposing her to situations where there have been a lot of dogs around that might transmit the disease to be on the safe side. Her risk is highest probably if this is just her second set of shots, in which case her immunity is still not fully developed anyway. If this is the third or fourth set of boosters in the series, her immuntiy is more developed and it is probably less of a problem.

But of course tonight you have a chance to ask the vet and get a real professional opinion.

Answer 8

Relax, and just get the shots as soon as you can. Avoid allowing the puppy to have contact with other dogs who are not part of your family.

It sounds like you are having fun with your new puppy! They are SO CUTE! Hire a puppy personal trainer. Like preventative vet visits, it's an investment in your new child. Do your homework first, and ask your vet for referrals. Do not take the group classes - they are about $100. for 6 classes & you can get much more bang for your buck with a good personal trainer. It will save you much frustration, and you will get compliments all the time on how well-behaved your puppy is.

Also get "Dog Training for Duymmies." and pay particular attention to the phases of growth.

Take your puppy for walks, and take your puppy to places like shopping centers, playgrounds, etc. Avoid dog parks untill your puppy is fuly-vaccinated and at least 6-months old, but do go to puppy socialization classes. They are like pre-school, and SO much fun!

Answer 9

No Don't worry she will be fine, when you have her shots done explain what shots she has had before and ask them for a purse sized card to write down all her vaccinations. That way you will be able to remember and you will have a current record of her shots. aks them for a scedule for when and what shots she will need in the future. They are usually very accomodating when it comes these situations.

Answer 10

I would not worry too much. As long as you are getting her shots caught up. Just keep her away from other dogs and parks, until she is at least 12 weeks and had all her shots. As she will be will not be fully protected until they are caught up. You can also have her rabies shot at 12 weeks, which will be good for a yr.