Can We Go On Walks Before 2nd Round Of Vaccination?

Hayley Thompson

Well-Known Member
When a dog is born, just like a human or any other animal, IgG antibodies are transferred via the placenta, along with IgA antibodies that are transferred via milk. These antibodies provide the dog the start of their immune system but since the immune system hasnt been "exercised" the response time it takes if a puppy is exposed to a virulent strain is lagged and this is the reason diseases can get out of hand quickly in puppies. That being said, puppies are protected naturally and immunizations supplement their own natural immunity and speed up the process of producing their own antibodies against potential virulent diseases, that way, should they be faced with a virulent disease, their immune system is in top condition to react quickly and effectively.

Honestly, as long as your dog isnt eating another dogs feces, a puppy probably wont have that much contact with an adult dog that potentially is carrying a disease, along with the fact that an infected dog will most likely not be around a dog park or the public due an owner recognizing that the dog is ill and the dog wouldnt want to be out and about. The diseases like parvo for example are passed through feces and can live for months and even can survive frozen ground in the winter months. But like I said, if you dont let your dog eat the feces and are at least somewhat conscious of what dogs your pup is interacting with, then your fine.

I had a dog that contracted parvo before we got her, and because we were so in-tuned and aware of "not normal" behaviour we were able to notice it quickly, and get her help and she is a strong healthy dog today. I realize that even with the most experienced and attentive dog owners that sadly this is not the case, but being able to catch the onset of diseases just like in humans, makes them that much easier to get past.

Also if Sammie says that there is no dogs at the park that they goes to, that shouldnt be challenged. I agree no one can be watching all the time, but most observent people know if a restaurant, or park or anything around them for that matter is often visited. Also Sammie never said sure go let your puppy roam free and play with whoever and whatever dog, they said they were still cautious.....FYI it is those people that do not let their children be exposed to natural pathogens in life that see the biggest rise in colds/flus, etc. The body wants to have a natural immune system and the only way is to safely expose them to antigens. Also this is why there is a rise on "super-bugs" and anitbody resistant diseases is because our body is becoming attuned to too many vaccines and drugs that are taken too quickly at the onset of a cold. Our body needs to learn what it wants to do best and that is to protect us the way that it was built to...
 

Dodge

Well-Known Member
:confused:ooook,seems like you ve taken my sense of humor to heart,Sammie,sorry for that.The "curtain twitcher" comment was ment as a joke,but hey ho,seems like I ve really upset you with thisO_o
First you said its not a lot of dogs going to your park,then that you are sure its only one other dog,but your neighbour is taking her puppy to the same park.Never mind about that,thats just tittle tattle I really dont want to get into:p:)
I dont mean to "challenge" what anybody says,but its highly unlikely (IMO) that somebody can keep tab on every bit of wild life (not just other dogs) that can poop in a park and hence be a danger to a pup without all the jabs,a pup only has to lick something,they dont have to eat the poop.

I would always rather be safe then to be sorry,having to deal with the heartbreak of loosing your pup to something silly because you thought it would be ok,because it would never happen to you,that was not good enough to me,I wanted to be sure :)
(btw Hayley,I have heard of daft dog owners taking their dogs to the park to mix with lots of other dogs while their dog had kennel cough,because they wanted their dog to still have play time :eek: do you REALLY think that every dog owner thinks about other dogs/puppies health like you think(by this I mean,you obviously care and would not take your ill dog to mix!Other owners would tell you thats just fine),I dont,thats why I would rather be safe (y))
 

Hayley Thompson

Well-Known Member
I agree dodge, its sad that not all people are that cautious about taking their sick dog out and about, that is mainly why I love this forum so much because we are all so passionate about our animals which may get a little to heated sometimes I agree;) I'm dealing with a very sick doggy right now, I got home from work and their was diarrhea and vomit everywhere :( so vets orders were on lots of fluid and bland diet tomorrow and hopefully she won't have to make a trip in tomorrow :( but I will definately not be socializing Riley until she has a clean bill of health and then some! I love how we all love our dogs so much!!
 

abby_someone

Well-Known Member
Right, first of all I don't see why everyone is reacting to my comments and saying that I was wrong and how do I know this and how do I know that
Sammie,
I apologize, sincerely, if you think that I was condescending:oops:, that was not my intention. People from all over look to this forum for advice. We certianly don't want to lead them astray. We believe that our lurkers want to learn, and that they can make an informed decision as to how much risk they would like to expose their new little doggy to.

I had a Dane from a BYB that had no shots whatsoever. I took her EVERYWHERE with me. The vet couldn't see me the first day or two. I didn't know any better. She was fine! I am happy that your (super cute) puppy is too! (your experience made me feel better for sure)

However, I did research to find out exactly how risky parvo was, how easy it was to contract and how the shots work with their tiny doggy bodies. I determined that the risk out weighed the benefits of socialization (at least for the first 12-16 weeks). (People do not vaccinate their dogs regularly here) :eek:. I certainly did need to get a dog and then spend a fortune and TONS of heartache to parvo. (we are now socializing him, after his 12 week shots/check-up. Yea!!!(y))
 

Jukes

Well-Known Member
I would be careful but like another poster said, I wasn't aware of this and took my dog everywhere when he was 8 weeks old (but due to our vaccination programme he got his first vaccination at 6 weeks and the second at 8 weeks) so he was already on his second vaccination. We didn't go to any dog parks but we walked on country routes, down the highstreet, to carboot sales etc. I would just like to add that according to some experts the most crucial time for socialising a puppy is between 3-12 weeks, so I would encourage you to make sure your puppy has as many good experiences as possible in this time to stop problems when he's older. So if you know any friends who have friendly, vaccinated adult dogs then I suggest you meet them so your puppy knows how to behave around other dogs, also invite round plenty of human friends of different ages for your puppy to meet and get used to.

I think you need to find a comprimise, don't expose him to extreme risks like a stray dog or another dogs waste or parks where lots of dogs frequently go but do get him out to explore the world - I know it's hard but I'm sure you'll do a great job - enjoy your puppy:)
 
Thanks all! It's been a few days since Andi got her second round so we are feeling a bit safer. The vet said just don't go to dog parks yet, or let her sniff around poop, other than that, get her out and about :)
 

Sara Carson

Experienced Member
Is it bad that I never really thought about all of this? The second I brought Hero home I took him to the park and downtown...
 
Top