Being a veterinarian, I always hear this question: “Doctor, when can my puppy go out for a walk and roam around?” This is such an exciting time for new puppy owners- you’ve got this lovable bundle of fur, so you can’t help but take him out to walk around the block or show her off at a park.
Here’s the thing: puppies are very vulnerable at the beginning of their life. Bring them into the big world too soon, and you’ll cause them more harm than good.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the vaccination schedule, tell you when it’s safe for your puppy to go out, and give some pointers on socializing your furry friend without endangering its health.
How Many Shots Does a Puppy Need to Go Outside?
Puppies are just like little kids – they need a series of puppy vaccinations to protect them from some pretty nasty diseases. In my clinic, I always start by explaining the core vaccination schedule, which is like a shield against any number of viruses your puppy might pick up out there. So, there are some vaccinations you need to take care of as below:
First Shot (6-8 Weeks): This is usually the Canigen DHP, the initials stand for distemper, Hepatitis and parvovirus. Parvovirus is epizootic enteritis, meaning it affects a large area and usually shows up as bloody diarrhea. Your pup gets this shot when they are about 6 to 8 weeks old, often before they even come home with you.
Second Shot (10-12 Weeks): About a month later, your puppy needs a booster shot to keep building their immunity. This happens around 10 to 12 weeks of age, and makes sure that their body is prepared for these diseases, if they’re ever exposed.
Rabies Shot: This is mandatory and usually comes at 12 weeks. Although rare, rabies kills. The vaccine takes a month to come into effect, so keep this in mind.
You can read the exact vaccination schedule for dogs and cats here.
So, when can your puppy go out? After its second DAPP shot, at 12 weeks old in most cases. But that’s a dangerous time for the puppy, because his immune system isn’t fully functioning yet. Until it is, he should not be brought to public places.
That’s why these vaccines are so important, because diseases like distemper or parvo are difficult to treat; sometimes there is no cure. Trust me, you don’t want to take any risks in this case.
Can I Take My Puppy Out After Their First Shot?
I can see the excitement in the faces of owners when their puppies get that first shot- they want to go out immediately! But hold it for a minute, after the first vaccination at 6-8 weeks, your little pup has some protection, but one can hardly say that it is enough to keep them out of trouble. But let me explain to you in detail:
What’s the Risk? That first vaccination starts the immune system learning how to defend against diseases, but it is rather like sending a child with a half textbook in school, they are not ready for exams yet. Park or sidewalks are breeding places for germs, they can remain here for years and give your puppy a bath of parvovirus for free with one sniff on the wrong piece of lawn.
Where’s It Safe? If no unvaccinated dogs or wild animals (like foxes, for example, which we’ve seen a lot of in recent years in the UK) have been roaming around, then your own backyard or a private garden is usually just fine. There’s nothing wrong with a fenced-in yard! In here, your puppy can play safely and enjoy the fresh air. It’s a bit like having your own little island.
How to Do It Right? If you want get your puppy out, then carry him or put him in a pet carrier. This keeps his paws off the ground and away from the germs. Just don’t let him mix with any strange dogs.
At this early stage, it’s simply a matter of baby steps. You are just letting your puppy have a taste of the world without any of the scary stuff.
How Long After the Second Shot Can My Puppy Go Out?
When your puppy gets the second shot, you’re getting closer to the to take them for walks and playdates. After the second shot, please wait for 1-2 weeks before taking them out. Then, at around 14 weeks of age their immune system has had enough time to build up some strength against these diseases and we can say with confidence that our curly dogs have as good as even odds on reaching an adult size.
But why wait? Vaccines do not start working when received, it might take some time to adapt. At 12 weeks, most puppies can handle low-key fun: a quick walk around the block and maybe even a visit to a dog cafe where everything is quietish.
It is my usual advice for clients to start off with small and avoid dog parks, which are so busy now. If you are living in an area where there are many stray dogs or wildlife around, I might suggest waiting a bit longer so you can be sure. Getting the green light from your vet will leave worries behind, and off you go!
Can I Carry My Puppy Outside Before Vaccinations in the UK?
For my clients in the UK, this is one of the most asked questions: Can I take my unvaccinated puppy outside? Absolutely, but you have to be smart about it.
If you’re carrying a puppy in the carrier, this seems good. They can see the world but not touch it as the surfaces are prone to germs and can make your puppy catch life-threatening diseases.
It’s Safe: When you carry your puppy, make sure they are not sniffing grass or stepping on spots where sick dogs might have been. Not only does this reduce the chances they’ll catch something like parvovirus–a killer that can hang around and live in soil for a year under some conditions.
How To Enjoy Them:
Take a walk through the neighborhood with your puppy on your arm or in a carrier. Let them hear birds sing, see cars pass by, and enjoy the smell of fresh air.
Anywhere it’s possible for them to watch the world without getting too close to other dogs–so popping into a garden center or sitting outside a quiet café, these places are just great.
Or if you have a fenced garden there aren’t any stray dogs around or foxes flitting in from the countryside – well, that’s probably okay for your puppy. Make sure to check with your vet it is safe before you take this step.
Why Does This Matter? Those first 3 to 14 weeks are a critical time for your puppy to learn about the world. You don’t want them locked up indoors, where these experiences will only be more shocking later on, so keep them going in this way.
Can Unvaccinated Puppies Be Around Vaccinated Dogs?
Can my puppy play with my vaccinated friend’s dog?” The answer is yes, but only under the right conditions. Here’s why:
Safe Scenarios: In a controlled place such as your home or a friend’s backyard, your puppy can interact with fully vaccinated and healthy dogs. For example, if your puppy is still with its mother and littermates or living in a household with an adult vaccinated against rabies, this is usually fine.
It depends crucially on you knowing that the other dog has received regular shots and is not sick.
Risky Scenarios: Dog parks, pet stores, or any place where you’re not sure of the vaccination status of other dogs–stay as far away from those as possible. Even one quick sniff from an unvaccinated dog could spell danger.
Safety Tips:
Keep playtime short, as puppies are easily tired and overwhelmed.
Make sure that the other dog is gentle and well-behaved. A rough playmate–even if only playing rough with your puppy–can scare the little fellow.
Look for your puppy’s body language. If he’s hiding or stressed out, then stop at the moment.
As always, I’d suggest talking to your vet first before taking this step.
Tips for Socializing Your Puppy Safely Before Full Vaccination
Socializing your puppy isn’t just about dashing around the parks for a playdate with some other canines. It’s about helping them feel at home in a whole host of places and situations like noisy streets or crowded meeting places. According to me, the 3-to-14-week window is the best phase for creating a confident dog. If you miss it, you will end up with a scary dog who feels unsafe outside the home. Here’s how to do it safely before they’re fully vaccinated:
Bring the World into Your Home:
Sounds: Play soft recordings of common sounds while your puppy eats or plays with his toys. Traffic noise, children’ s laughter and fireworks are some examples. It teaches your dog that loud noises are no big deal.
People: Invite your friends over to meet your puppy. Ask them to give some treats that make your puppy comfortable with other people outside.
Textures: Lay out different surfaces like a towel, bubble wrap, and a cardboard box for your puppy to walk on. It’ s a mini adventure that gets his confidence up.
Scents: Let your puppy sniff at something new, such as your friend’s cat blanket or the packaging from your latest online order. Why not give the big nose a workout? Both of these suggestions are good for your little dog’s mental development.
Safe Outings:
Take your puppy for a car ride and park somewhere interesting, such as a busy shop or park.
Make him or her comfortable in the car boot and let it be like a front-row seat to the world.
Carry your puppy to a quiet place like a friend’s garden or a little-traveled street, so he can walk around and just let his eyes and ears soak up new scenes.
Puppy Classes: Some classes are for young pups and will want proof of your vaccinations. They are invaluable in teaching your dog how to behave around others, but make sure they meet your safety standards.
Stay Away from Unhealthy Situations: Dog parks, busy streets or pet stores is a no-no. Those places are dangerous and your puppy is not ready for them.
Make It Happy: Relate every new experience with something your dog loves, such as treats or a favorite toy. If he seems nervous, back off and try again later.
Again, I can’t stress this enough: puppies that do not have their socialization done are likely to grow up fearful and perhaps even aggressive.
Conclusion
It’s a wild ride to become a puppy owner, and an integral part is to work out when it’s safe for your new dog to go outdoors. As a vet, I suggest following the vaccination schedule—first shot at 6-8 weeks, second between 10 and 12 weeks, and wait up to two weeks after the second shot before taking your pup somewhere in public.
Use your garden until then, carry him around for trips outside, and set up playdates with friends’ dogs who are vaccinated. As important as shots are socialization, so invent any safe method you can find to acquaint your new member of society with the world.
As a vet I would suggest to keep your puppy safe, and bring them as many happy experiences as you can. Before you know it, the two of you will be off to explore together. If you’re ever in doubt, just drop by the clinic or give us a call–we love to help new puppy parents!