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Question
Im getting 2 puppies in a couple of day and was just wondering about 3 things.
1. They will have had their 6-8 week vac. Is it safe for them to socialise with other dog (that have been vac)?
2. Walks shouldn't start until they have had all 3 vac.
3. Is it nessassary to take them to the vet in the first week for a check up or can this wait until their second vac?
Thank you for your time and help.
1.Puppies shouldn't be socialized until they have had at least 3 vaccinations. Some breeds even longer, like 16 weeks. Some of them are just so susceptible to Parvo that you don't want to risk it.
2. See the above answer!! You can walk them but don't walk them in dog parks. It is much safer not to walk them until they are vaccinated more and are older.
3. You can wait to bring them into the vets as long as they have been recently wormed. You don't want them going longer than 10 days without and if they are not on heartworm prevention then don't wait and bring them in when you get them. We have seen 6 week old puppies test positive for heartworms at 6 months old from not being put on prevention.
That is something you most definitely want to prevent!!
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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