Introducing Henry P Doodle

[Dolly Dykhouse]

Hi everyone!

Yesterday I brought home the baby I have been dreaming about for 10 years; Henry P Doodle, a 9 week old, 13# standard, parti-color. I am smitten to say the least.

We had a pretty easy first night for driving 3 hours to bring him home. I'm hoping I don't jinx it by saying he spent the first night in his crate by my bedside without a peep and slept the whole night through. We had our first vet appt and it went well. Little porker gained 2# in the last week!

I have a question regarding his vaccinations and immunity. We have a puggle named Jo that goes to the park in back of our house to romp. I'm a bit worried about what he might bring back on his paws before Henry is fully vaxed. Is there a way to disinfect Jo's paws or am I being paranoid? Both our vet and breeder do not want Henry exposed to any public places for at least another 6 weeks when he receives his last boosters, he has had 2 for parvo so far.

Any guidance is appreciated!

Thanks,
Dolly and Henry

[Ginny Nightingale]

Your pup is doodle perfection!! You can embed photos in a discussion by clicking on the second icon from the left in the heading above the comment box. My suggestion would be to get some clorox disposable wipes and wipe Jo's feet BEFORE coming in the yard.

[Dolly Dykhouse]

Good idea, thank you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Henry is adorable!  If it were me, I would keep Henry AND Jo away from dog parks or places where dogs congregate for the time your vet suggested.  You could take Henry places - like a pet store, if you bring a blanket and put him on it in a cart.  You can walk Jo places where dogs don't congregate.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I would agree with Nancy on getting him out in public by carrying him or putting him in the cart at various places like Lowes or Home Depot.  The early socialization to people and places is very important as well.  I know the parvo is some scary stuff.  It is more prevalent in some places.  But I would think just being aware and cautious is enough.  I must add as well he is adorable.  I look forward to watching him grow up.

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Henry is adorable. 

I don't know the answer to your question but I have one to add to it.  If you have to worry that your puggle could bring something back on his paws do you then have to wonder if your yard or flooring are already contaminated from the dog park?  If that is the case you may want to see if there is something you can spray across your yard.

[Dolly Dykhouse]

The park in back of our house is a 5 acre open grass community park, not a dog park but dogs/owners from our surrounding neighborhood go to play and socialize. Fortunately, our backyard is all aggregate and pool (hence taking Jo to the park so he can feel grass when he plays) we had a small magnolia tree and all the shrubs removed in the one corner of the area that borders the back fence separating our yard from the park so Henry will have a specific area for "getting busy." Our neighborhood has multiple families that walk thier dogs through our cul de sac so even walking Jo on sidewalks and street is a risk for exposure. I got a little paranoid when the breeder told us that parvovirus can be carried not just on feet but clothing as well. We're removing shoes before entering the house and limiting visitors; vet doesn't want us taking him anywhere public until he has had 4 boosters for parvovirus which will be at 15 weeks. Too hard keep everyone from wanting to love all over this little guy and having them strip down and putting on a sterile hazmat suit is overkill. We had a Rottweiler come down with parvo at 5 months even with 4 boosters (typical for the breed I was told) a titer test on a litter mate showed zero immunity even with 4 boosters! We saved our Rottie but oh the cost, financially and emotionally was so high! So, I am perhaps a bit overly cautious with Henry based on experience with my Luto.

[DonMarie and Picco]

Henry P Doodle is adorable!  I would think just wiping feet with a wet rag would do, maybe vinegar water to possibly kill of some bacteria.  Keeping him home till fully vaccinated is a great excuse for you to bond and keeping him all to yourself while you can!