Puppy coming- Worried about keeping her safe from Parvo!

[Rebecca Matthews]

I feel like a complete paranoid first time mom, but I am a first time mom to a DOODLE!   We bring her home Sunday.  Our puppy has already had her first shots with the breeder, but I'm worried about our enclosed yard and our house.  We don't have any other dogs, nor have any dogs visited, but we have a cat that is indoor/outdoor and we have other wild-ish animals (squirrels, raccoons, mice) that roam around at night in our yard.  How do I keep those animals from tracking the Parvo virus in my yard and getting my puppy sick?  How do I ensure my cat doesn't track it in the house?  I plan on bleaching the floors prior to puppy coming home and we don't wear shoes in the house... but I'm still worried!  Any tips?  Am I completely paranoid?  Thanks for your help and understanding!  (She has a visit to the vet planned for 2 days after we bring her home, but I wanted as much info now before it's too late!)

[Ginny Nightingale]

Well, my breeder and I are VERY cautious but I have never heard anyone worry about cats or wild animals--wash your hands when you come in and keep some hand sanitizer around. ANYONE who comes to the house should be asked to do the same and to remove their shoes (oh, and shoes should be kept in a room away from the pup.)

Do not let the pup contact other dogs and if out in public, carry them. It is important not to isolate them too much during this time so that they can be properly socialized--but just be aware of the exposure and be careful and you should be fine. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Obviously you can't keep the other wild animals from bringing parvovirus into your yard, so you can only control what you can control. Bleaching is fine, wiping paws before he comes in from outside, choosing one area of the yard instead of total access to the whole area, all will help limit his exposure.
No one can be 100% sure they aren't exposing their pups to things, even carrying it in on our own shoes, but you just do what you can and be educated as to what to look for if he should get sick and get him treated ASAP.
It seems many puppies have had yards with other critters in them and they were fine. Just do what you can and enjoy your new pup.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Although wild animals and cats could carry the virus on their paws the possibilty is remote, I think. And your pup will have had it's first vaccinations. Most of us had pups who came home partially vaccinated and who went outside and were fine. Unless exposed to a dog with parvo your pup should be fine with the normal precautions.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I would also ask the vet how big Parvo is in your area.  There are areas where it isn't all that common.

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

Oskar came to us with just one shot at 7 weeks...he's been only in the backyard with our other dog & a couple of safe visiting dogs, in the house & in the car with us.  The breeder & the vet both told us to keep him home until the shots were complete & not take him to public places so that's what we've done.  We've kept our 3 year old doodle from the dog park.  Oskar is now 13 weeks & will have his final shots in 2 weeks...we also have woods behind us with various critters that roam at night...dozens of people have come to see him & we've taken no special precautions.  He feasted on rabbit poop when he found it...the parasite he picked up from it was killed by his worm/flea medication.  Don't go overboard worrying or you'll drive yourself crazy.  It would be horrible for a puppy to get sick & you're not paranoid to worry but we can't control everything...just be sensible & your puppy will be fine :)