When Can I Bring Finn to the Dog Park

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

I was wondering when I can bring Finn to the dog park? I have heard different answers from different people. Some say it's OK after the 2nd shots which he gets this week and some say only after the 3rd set.

I've seen people at the park with 8 week old pups which I think is pushing it. Yesterday I spoke with a gentleman whom I see all the time and he seems very knowledgeable and seems to care very much for his dog. He said it's OK after the 2nd shots. I know I'm anxious because it would make my life much easier so it's for selfish reasons. I used to go every day and I miss it and so does Yankee.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

You may get alot of different opinions here. Talk to your vet for this advise.

[Adina P]

I agree with Andy. Talk to your vet. Your vet should know if parvo has been going around lately and that should guide you and him in your decision.

Here's the thing with shots. It doesn't matter if it's 2nd or 3rd or 4th shots...the point is the shots need to 'take' and you don't KNOW if/when they take but most likely the shots given at 16 weeks will have 'taken'.

Early on in a pup's life nursing gives a pup temporary immunity ... at some point after weaning that immunity wears off. As the mother's immunity wears off in the pup it may still be 'strong enough' to counteract the effect of the vaccine, but NOT strong enough to protect the puppy. We don't know for sure when that moment occurs which is why pups are vaccinated for the same darn thing so many times. The hope is that one of those times is the 'right' time when the mom's immunity has worn off 'enough' so that the vaccine WORKS. So it's possible that happens to some pups after their 2nd or 3rd...but to be safe I would NOT even consider it till after the 16 week vaccines.

Our dog park does not allow pups under 4 months (though nobody really polices this) for this reason. Does your park have a 'rule' about age requirement?

[Adina P]

Here's an article: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2115&aid=960

[Carol Hanr]

I agree, ask your vet. My vet did not want me to take LuLu around other dogs till her last set of shots.

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

The only way to know for sure is to get an antibody titer test to know if your pup has developed antibodies to all of the shots. This is expensive and not really feasable, so most vets will tell you it is safer to wait until the final shots are done, just to be sure. I would rather wait a few more weeks than be wrong and get a sick pup, but I know of very many pups that go after 2nd shots and are fine. You may be fine to go to, and its really your call on the risk. Socialization is very imporant at this age, but I would recommend puppy play dates in a back yard and not in a public dog park, to minimize the exposure risk to pathogens, like parvo, which can be leathal to young puppies.

[cheryl & oliver]

I totally agree with past responses, you need to speak with your vet. My vet said that becasue of the economy, people have been neglecting giving their dogs their needed shots. And as a result they have seen a tremendous increase in Parvo among dogs. ( Not sure if other animals can get this disease too.). He told me that he did not want me to take Ollie to any places where he would be in contact with dogs we did not know. He told me to keep him out of the pet stores, parks etc. He told me to see if when we walked him that he stayed on our property. I have my lawn sprayed for fleas & tics, so I do keep my animals on my lawn. That is not to say that other people don't walk their dogs on my property, at least I don't think they do, but I do keep mine on my own lawn. I know most of the people on this block, and all the pets on the block. There are some ferral cats here, so I am sure they can spread disease too, but for us, Ollie will not go to the doggie park until he gets his rabies shot next month...We have had some problems here in Florida with rabid racoons, and other wild animals...We have finished all the reg. shots though, so today I took him for a long walk around the block, poor little guy, he was so tired, he slept for 2 hrs when we got back, lol, but he had a great time, sniffing and walking around...

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

Well it seems most of the opinions are the pretty much same. I already know that my vet said he shouldn't go but she made a reference to him getting hurt by other dogs. I will ask her again on Thursday but I'm pretty sure I know what the answer will be. I don't think that our dog park has age rules.

That was a good article Adina. It's stuff that I didn't know. I've still got a lot to learn. Thanks everyone for your opinions.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Linda I know it will be a VERY HARD wait! Lady Peri gets her 16 week shots tomorrow and I am hitting the greenway. We are so ready to resume walks (Taquito too!). Funny thing is that rain is in the forecast from Wednesday on....what luck!