New toys from chain store for young puppy

[Itims]

Hi everyone,

We are picking up our puppy tomorrow and she is slightly over 7 weeks. She is coming 17 years after the last one I had as a teenager so a lot of things have changed for dog families!

Here is my question:

I bought some stuff (packaged potty pads, lead-free ceramic bowl, kong toys, grooming brush, and cuddly soft ball) from Petco about 4 or 5 days ago. I'm concerned about parvo and other contagious diseases. I can wash everything with bleach or vinegar but don't know if the smell will turn the puppy off or even sting her nose. 

Should I not worry about it OR return the stuff OR wash it and hope that the smell wont bother her? What do you guys say? I'm ordering everything else online from now on!

This is a great forum. Thanks for setting it up and contributing so much to it!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is not what you're asking about, but I would not use potty pads. It makes it much harder to housebreak a puppy when you allow them to "go" anywhere indoors, whether it's on a pad or not.

As far as parvovirus goes, while it's extremely contagious and can survive on inanimate objects for months, the virus is only spread by feces from an infected dog to begin with. That's why many breeders make you take off your shoes when you come into their homes, but not the rest of your clothing; you might have walked in a contaminated area, but you wouldn't have picked it up just from the air around you. It's doubtful that a brush on a higher shelf of a store would be affected.

Vinegar would have no affect on parvo. Bleach would. I would wash any bowl I bought from anywhere for any dog.

Here's a link with detailed info on parvo: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-parvovirus.aspx

[Itims]

The potty pads were for backup/emergency and thought having them at hand might help (for e.g. on the 2 hr + drive back from the breeder). We have a patio that she will go on until she gets and all clear from the vet to go outside.

Thank you for the quick responses all! There are a lot of cautionary stories on the internet about parvo so it helps to hear from more experienced folks. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think Karen said it all.  I'll just add that I don't remember anyone here saying they washed their new dog toys with bleach before giving them to their dogs, and I've never heard of a problem.  Congratulations on your new puppy.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I never even thought about it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'd also like to mention that it would be better to wait until the puppy is 8 weeks old before bringing her home. In fact, it's illegal in many states, including your own, to sell a puppy younger than 8 weeks old: http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovuspuppysaletable.htm

I know it's hard to wait, but is there any possibility of waiting an extra week?

[Itims]

Yes we can certainly wait! I will check and talk to the breeder. Thanks!

[Itims]

They have been well recommended by other folks we know, provide health clearances for the parents and the usual 2 year health warranty for genetically passed illness. So I can't imagine they would mess up on this but will check to see if I got the litter DOB wrong.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

When we got Libby she was ten weeks and I think we bought Pet Smart out of toys, grooming items, etc.  I did not think about washing any of them and know I feel a little guilty.  Luckily everything was ok and no Parvo.  She made it through puppyhood without any illness! 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I have never washed any puppy toys when new and I have raised a bunch of litters now, so i think it is OK--but when the toys get soiled by the pups, they do LOVE it when the toys are washed and come out of the dryer (stuffed toys) smelling all different from before--

I agree with Karen about the puppy pads and I am not sure the patio will be good either if you are going to use it as the potty place for weeks--your yard should be fine if no strange dogs have waltzed thru it over the last few weeks--everyone that takes the pups home from my place uses their yard (only) and it is OK.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Kudos on buying a lead free bowl and for being so concerned about your puppy's health. You have definately come to the right place and will learn a lot here!

[Pat and Traveler]

Sounds like you're going to be a wonderful puppy mom!  Congrats on the new baby.  It never even occurred to me to wash toys before giving them to the pup.

[Itims]

Thanks for all your suggestions and warm wishes! We are looking forward to being a puppy parents. I realize that one can overdo research and caution on some areas and under research on others. Thats where a community is so helpful. This is a great community!!