Vaccinations and socialisation

[BabyElephant]

Poppy wasn't allowed to meet Barnie today (see my other thread in general chat) because my brother didn't want Poppy anywhere near him until his vaccinations have been completed.

When I got Poppy my vet said it was OK for Poppy to meet other dogs (at our house) as long as the other dogs were fully up to date on their vaccinations. Now I understand where my brother is coming from, he wants to protect his pup as much as he can but what if I get another pup - would I have to keep it separate from Poppy until it's had all it's vaccinations? What lengths do I got to to protect it - do I not allow it in the same room that Poppy's been in etc etc.

It just got me thinking as to what other people think about this? And what did you do if you brought a pup in to a household that already had an older dog?

[Dax]

For rotties (and other black&tan breeds) parvo is very dangerous. For some reason they are more suspectible. There is precaution and then there is paranoia. I usually ask my vet for the diluted parvo virus be given early because I live on a dog park and I have two dogs.

It is very important to do what you can, ie have people wash their hands, keep outside shoes away from the new dog, and allow socialization with known dogs.

Dogs that are healthy and up to date are safe playmates at the new puppy's home because they virus is shed in poop.

[SalemWitchChild]

When I got Kota our other dog was outside. I made sure that they were separate. The yard was fenced so I didn't have to worry about other dogs roaming on my property that could be infected. If your yard is not fenced and there are strays they could bring the virus to your yard therefore infecting your pup when he goes to potty. It's not an easy answer. But I try to limit any pups interaction with other animals until the vaccinations have been done.

[weezyNollie]

I guess if he wants to be this protective that's fine. But it is a bit over protection.

I got Ollie at 16 weeks, full vaccinated (in fact OVER vaccinated) so there wasn't any worry with Louise. Plus, I knew her vaccine history and knew they would be fine.

If you are bringing a puppy (or introducing a puppy) to another dog who is vaccinated the chances of something being transferred is very unlikely. You are right, people get puppies all the time with an older dog and never think twice about the vaccination issue.

I think it would be fine, but at the same time.. being cautious is always smart. The pup sure is cute! Has he been to the vet yet? Or had any vaccines?

[mara]

Is there a possiblity that your fully vaccinated dog could be a carrier of disease such as parvo due to the fact that they have been around potentially unvaccinated dogs?? If their feet were soiled at a dog park could the puppy get the illness? I'm just curious.

[SalemWitchChild]

Another thing they might be worried about is the new virus. A lot of people around here have stopped taking their dogs out in public because they fear the new virus. Since it has no vaccine yet people are being extremely cautious.

[weezyNollie]

Mara.. a fly can carry parvo. They land in the fecal material.. then fly into the home and land on the water/food dish. And voila! Parvo!

I just like the "You can't live in a bubble" theory. There are many other things, in addition to or besides, bringing a dog (fully vaccinated) over that could carry these infections. You can't hide from all of them..

[Dax]

Originally Posted by mara

Is there a possiblity that your fully vaccinated dog could be a carrier of disease such as parvo due to the fact that they have been around potentially unvaccinated dogs?? If their feet were soiled at a dog park could the puppy get the illness? I'm just curious.

It is possible. Since the virus is shed in poop, both dogs & humans can carry the virus around.

I do wonder about the acutal numbers of parvo infections. I see pups every where and have not heard of any parvo cases at the dog park.

[BabyElephant]

Originally Posted by weezyNollie

I think it would be fine, but at the same time.. being cautious is always smart. The pup sure is cute! Has he been to the vet yet? Or had any vaccines?

He has been to the vet - last Saturday (the day they got him) and he has had his first injections. The vet also asked when they were booking him in to be castrated and my brother had a fit!

A lady at the petshop told him he was being overprotective since he was carrying him around and not letting him walk about - doh he's 8 weeks old lady! I can understand where he is coming from and I would hate for the pup to get anything and then have Poppy blamed for his illness.

[Dax]

I just phoned my vets office and asked how many Parvo cases they've treated. In the last year they've only seen two cases and they were both in unvaccinated dogs.

That leads me to believe the relative risk in my area is low.

Phoning your vet might be an easy way to see if there is a reason for extra precautions in your area.