Bringing your new family member home is exciting, but remember that it is your duty as a responsible pet owner to keep your new puppy safe, happy and healthy. This includes making sure that he is vaccinated against common diseases. Many people are unsure of how long after the second vaccination they should wait before taking their puppy out into the big wide world, so here at Anrich Vets, we have compiled a handy guide to give you all the information to keep your puppy safe and healthy.
When Should Puppies Be Vaccinated?
All puppies should receive two vaccinations, the first at around 8 weeks old and the second two weeks later, at 10 weeks or older. If the first vaccination is delayed for any reason, the second vaccination still needs a two-week wait before being given, but in general, the first is at eight weeks, and the second is at ten weeks.
How Many Vaccinations Do Puppies Need?
Puppies need a minimum of two vaccinations to keep them safe and protected. This will include the essential leptospirosis vaccination of the L2 variant. If your puppy requires the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, there must be a four-week gap between the first and second doses, meaning that your puppy will require three vaccinations.
How Long Between 1st and 2nd Puppy Vaccine?
You will need a two-week gap between the first and second vaccinations. Generally, your puppy will receive its first jabs with its breeder, and then you will take it for its second round of vaccinations once you have collected it. Ensure you have all the correct paperwork when you collect your puppy, which will show the date of the first vaccination. This will then allow you to plan for the second vaccination.
Can I Take My Dog Out After Their First Vaccination?
Your puppy is not protected until a week after its second vaccination. It is at risk after its first vaccination until it is fully protected. You should not take your puppy out during this time, as he is vulnerable to disease from other dogs and the environment.
When Can Puppies Go Out After Their Second Vaccination?
We understand that it is fascinating to have a new puppy, and you, quite understandably, want to take them out and about and show them off to your friends and family. As a responsible pet owner, you will also want to take them out to expose them to different situations, noise and environments, puppy socialisation is important for this young dogs development. However, it is essential to remember that your puppy is not protected until a week after his second vaccination. Refrain from being tempted to take him out to the garden or public areas after his second vaccination, as he is not protected during that first week.
Can I Take My Puppy Out Between the First and Second Vaccination?
Remember that vaccinations protect your puppy against common diseases such as Canine Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Canine Distemper, and Leptospirosis. These diseases can be dangerous and, sadly, even deadly to dogs, so it is essential that you keep your puppy safe and protected while he is having his vaccinations. We understand it can be tempting, but you mustn’t take your puppy out until a week after his second vaccination.
What to Expect After Their Vaccinations?
The majority of puppies are entirely unaffected by their vaccinations. However, in some cases, the vaccination can trigger a mild fever, and your puppy may be quieter than usual. This should pass quickly. Very occasionally, dogs can have an allergic reaction to a vaccine, and you should contact your vet immediately if your dog shows signs of pain or distress after his vaccinations.
What to Do After Your Puppy Gets Vaccinated?
Your puppy shouldn’t need any special treatment after his vaccinations, so you can continue to play with him, feed him and cuddle him as normal! If he seems more sleepy than usual, let him sleep and keep an eye on him. If he is vomiting, diarrhoea or distressed, contact your vet immediately. Most dogs will be excellent after their vaccinations. Keep a note of the day of your second vaccination to count down the days until you get to take your puppy out and about.
What is the Risk if I Take My Puppy Out Too Early?
We understand dog owners’ pressure to socialise their puppies right from the first day. It is known that there is a golden window for socialisation to around 14 weeks of age when it is essential to expose your puppy to as many sights, sounds, and experiences as possible to help make them socially well-adjusted. We can see the results of this not happening in many of the COVID-19 puppies, who didn’t have the opportunity to socialise. However, if you take your puppy out too early, he could catch one of these diseases: Canine Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Canine Distemper, or Leptospirosis. Any one of these could make him extremely ill and, in the worst cases, can be fatal. It is simply not worth the risk, and it is always best to wait until a week after the second vaccination to ensure he is fully protected.
Looking for Vets for Puppy Vaccination?
At Anrich Vets, we are here to help you throughout your dog’s lifetime. Whether you need puppy vaccinations or advice on arthritis in older dogs, our experienced, professional and compassionate vets are here to help you every step of the way. We hold the health and happiness of your pets at the heart of all that we do, and will always offer the best advice to help keep your pet safe. If you are getting ready to bring home your puppy, make sure he is booked in for his second vaccination so that we can get him fully protected as quickly as possible. To book your appointment today, call our helpful and professional team on 01942 242001.