Tips on Socializing Puppies Before They’re Fully Vaccinated

As a new pet parent, you probably can’t wait to take your puppy with you everywhere you go. It’s understandable to want to share them with others (who doesn’t love the puppy breath and snuggles?). But when is it safe to take your puppy out and about? 

Socializing is vital for puppies to become well-tempered dogs, but doing so before they have all their vaccinations can be dangerous. Your pup can easily be exposed to contagious canine diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and leptospirosis. And without the proper protection, they can quickly get sick. But that doesn’t mean you need to shelter your puppy completely away from the world before they’ve had all of their shots. 

There are safe ways to get your puppy properly socialized during these crucial months. Read on to learn how long to wait before taking your puppy outside and how to safely socialize them while unvaccinated.

Puppy vaccination schedules

Just like human babies get a series of shots, puppies also need vaccinations to protect them from potentially deadly diseases. These will include both core (required) and non-core (optional) vaccines, such as rabies, parvovirus, and canine parainfluenza. Which non-core shots your puppy gets will depend on where you live and your pup’s overall health. 

The first set of shots starts when a puppy is about six weeks old, with booster shots given every two to four weeks. It usually takes eight to 10 weeks for your pup to complete the full series.

When can puppies be around other dogs?

You can (and should) start introducing your puppy to other dogs as soon as you bring them home, but the other dogs must be fully vaccinated. It’s also best to keep the meetings indoors or in a controlled area if outside. Once your pup receives their third round of puppy shots, they are safe to venture out in public. 

Some viruses can live in the environment for months. So until they’ve gotten their last shot, puppies are still vulnerable. This is why it’s important to only socialize an unvaccinated puppy with vaccinated dogs you know in areas you trust.

Safe puppy socialization before full vaccination

Even if your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated, there are ways to start socializing them safely. 

• Indoor playdates with vaccinated dogs: Inviting your friends over for puppy playdates is a great way to introduce your puppy to other dogs. You can have peace of mind being indoors and letting the pups mingle without risk of exposure to bacteria and germs.

• Puppy socialization classes: Socialization classes are specifically held to allow puppies time to play with other puppies. It’s a great way for your puppy to learn social skills, explore new environments, and gain confidence while in a safe location.

• Controlled outdoor settings: Outside areas where you know other dogs don’t frequent are great for letting your puppy explore and play. This will help them get comfortable around new sights, smells, and sounds — which, in turn, allows them to grow into a well-rounded adult dog.

• Different people and places: Puppy parents should regularly introduce their pups to new people (both adults and children) and expose them to new, safe locations. This is extremely beneficial for times when they’ll be around unfamiliar people, such as going to the vet or staying with a dog sitter.

• Regular, gentle handling: Getting your puppy used to regular handling by you and others will help in the long run. This may include looking at their teeth, messing with their paws, picking them up, running your hands all over them, and so on. Start this early in their life to make it easier as they get older.

Commonly asked questions

Can a puppy be around vaccinated dogs?

Yes, you can start socializing your puppy around dogs who are fully vaccinated, as soon as you bring them home. Just be sure to keep them in controlled environments you know are free of potential diseases.

When can a puppy go to a dog park?

It’s best to avoid taking your puppy to a dog park until they’ve fully completed their vaccinations, which is generally after they’re five months old. Shared water and sniffing other dogs’ feces are easy ways for an unvaccinated puppy to get sick.

Can my puppy meet other dogs after their first vaccination?

They should only meet dogs whom you know are fully vaccinated. One shot isn’t enough to fully protect your puppy from getting sick.

How long after a second vaccination can a puppy go out?

If the second shot your puppy received is the last of the series, then they can safely go out in public. If the vaccination series has three doses, however, you must wait until your puppy gets their third shot before taking them out.

What should I do if I took my puppy outside before vaccinations?

Taking your puppy outside is fine as long as the area is controlled and safe. If your puppy was exposed to other locations or dogs you aren’t familiar with, it’s best to have them seen by their veterinarian for a checkup. Even if they didn’t come in contact with other dogs, some diseases such as parvovirus can live in the soil for up to a year and infect them.

References

Canine Parvovirus

Puppy Socialization & Vaccinations

When Can Puppies Be Around Other Dogs?

When, Exactly, Should You Vaccinate Your Puppy?