Puppies without vaccinations should not be allowed out. Private and fenced properties are suitable after the first vaccination. Only after the third vaccination in the 16th week of life is the four-legged friend's immune system ready for the public.
In principle, puppies should be vaccinated from the 8th week of life. From this point on, the protection provided by the antibodies in breast milk increasingly decreases.
However, full vaccination protection only occurs after the second or third vaccination. Depending on the vaccine, this can be the case as early as the 12th week or as late as 15 months.
So does this mean your puppy can't go outside for the first 15 months without a full vaccination? No. It's not quite that dramatic after all.
Below you will learn how the vaccinations work, when your puppy can go out and what you should keep in mind.
Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.
When puppies are allowed out
First, you should understand how vaccination works and how it works. Because during the injection, the puppy is given weakened viruses and bacteria.
This means that the dog automatically forms antibodies against the relevant pathogens. The immune system is therefore systematically strengthened.
The problem? The antibodies after a single vaccination are usually too weak to offer real protection. For this reason, puppies are vaccinated three times.
Depending on the vaccine, the vaccinations are then refreshed every 1-3 years so that the vaccination protection remains permanent. Here is a brief overview:
DiseaseFirst vaccinationSecond vaccinationThird vaccinationBoosterDistemper8 weeks12 weeks16 weeksEvery 3 yearsRabies12 weeks16 weeks15 monthsEvery 3 yearsLeptospirosis8 weeks12 weeks15 monthsAnnuallyHepatitis8 weeks12 weeks16 weeksEvery 3 yearsParvovirus8 weeks12 weeks16 weeksEvery 3 years[1]
The first vaccination usually takes place in the 8th week and ensures that the immune system is activated and the first antibodies are formed. However, the protection afterwards is minimal.
For this reason, puppies should not be allowed out without vaccinations. Because they can easily become infected from other unvaccinated animals, feces or dead animals. [2]
The second vaccination is then usually in the 12th week of life. Here the level of antibodies is often so high that it offers moderate protection against infection.
However, this only applies 5-7 days after the vaccination. Many dog owners already take their puppies out here. However, you should still be careful.
Public dog parks and contact with wild animals or street dogs are still taboo here. Otherwise, you risk your puppy's health. [3]
Only after that third vaccination the number of antibodies is so high that an infection is unlikely. But here too you should wait 5-7 days first.
After that, you can take your puppy with you anywhere. Even public dog parks are suitable. However, you still need to be careful with street dogs. [4]
It is not for nothing that, in addition to the five compulsory vaccinations, there are also other elective vaccinations. According to the law, these are voluntary. As a dog owner, you decide for yourself.
Furthermore, there are no laws that prohibit you from letting your puppy out without vaccination. However, it is still not recommended. Here is a brief overview:
Vaccination statusGarden?Public?Street dogs?Without vaccinationNoNoNoAfter 1st vaccinationYesNoNoAfter 2nd vaccinationYesYes, cautiousNoAfter 3rd vaccinationYesYesYes, cautiousWith elective vaccinationsYesYesYes
Mandatory vaccinations cover deadly and easily transmissible infectious diseases. Elective vaccinations can also be useful depending on your health and where you live.
I recommend asking your local vet about this. Because he knows exactly which diseases are most common in the region. Elective vaccinations include:
- Babesiosis
- Kennel cough
- fungal infections
- Leishmaniasis
- Lyme disease [5]
Just because you don't let your puppy out without vaccination doesn't mean the chance of infection doesn't exist. The following tips can help here:
- Avoid other animals' feces and urine
- Carry your puppy to the vet at all times
- Avoid contact with dead animals
Even a simple sniff or lick can be enough for transmission. With a complete vaccination, even street dogs are hardly a problem anymore, apart from parasites.
Puppies should not go out without vaccinations. Even your own garden can become dangerous here. After the first vaccination the garden is okay. After the second vaccination, he can also go out in public carefully. However, full protection only exists after the third vaccination.
Socialize dogs without vaccination
The first 16 weeks are fundamental for your puppy's future behavior. Because without appropriate socialization, anxiety disorders and aggressiveness can result.
The problem? Vaccination protection is only maximum after the third vaccination in the 16th week of life. Before doing so, you could risk infection.
The solution? Bring your puppy into contact with friends' and family's dogs that are fully vaccinated. Other pets are also okay as long as they are vaccinated. [6]
You should also get your puppy used to people. Experts recommend meeting at least 100 different people before the 16th week of life.
Admittedly. This can sometimes be a bit difficult in villages. The only important thing is that your puppy can gradually get used to a wide variety of creatures.
The same also applies to local dog schools. Only go to those schools where those present have to show a certificate of vaccination protection.
This allows you to let your unvaccinated puppy out without putting him at unnecessary risk. You should still avoid excessive walks to protect your bones. [7]
Even before a full vaccination, dogs can easily get used to people and other dogs. The only important thing is that it takes place in a fenced environment and that foreign animals are fully vaccinated. Friends and acquaintances are ideal for this.
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