question about Parvo

[Bear's mommy]

My GSD is now 8 weeks old, he has had 2 of his puppy shots. The vet said for ne not to take him to the dog park in town or basically walk in areas that is busy with humans/animals. But does anyone know if taking Bear for a walk down the street? I would like to do more than just give him exercise in our yard. But unsure what to do. Yes I will call the vet tomorrow but would like some feedback.

[msvette2u]

Follow your vet's advice. Parvo is everywhere, sidewalks, too.

[msvette2u]

At 8 weeks old you have a lifetime to go to dog parks, on long walks, etc.
He's a baby. Give him a few months to grown up and get more vaccines.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

I was looking to see if there was parvo rate info for your area (like where I am had a big parvo outbreak a year ago) and saw this interesting, slightly OT article:
Yellowstone wolf population dips / Parvovirus blamed for steep decline - SFGate

I am parvonoid and do not want a foster puppy exposed. I carry them into the vet office, try to change shoes at the door at home, keep them in the yard, and even limit my own dogs' outings to minimize risk. Even with everything it is still a risk.

There are things you can do to increase socialization - having people over, finding people with well behaved, puppy-friendly adult dogs or other vaccinated puppies, etc. Have the puppy exposed to noises, surfaces, things that they would see in the outside world.

The AVMA has a position paper on this, stating that behavior issues from lack of socialization result in dogs being put to sleep, but while I agree this is a vital period, if a dog has good temperament, owners who are committed to the dog and training, the few weeks to get that coverage, TO ME, should not result in such drastic behaviors. I've yet to see it.

I think maternal antibody info is confusing but some is here: Parvovirus: Serious Diarrhea in Puppies & Dogs and the Mar Vista vet site also has a big thing on Parvo.

Good luck!

[Elaine]

I'm with your vet on not taking him to dog parks or other high dog traffic areas, but am all for taking him out for walks immediately, if not sooner. Early socialization is a much bigger problem than the smaller risk of getting parvo in a vaccinated puppy. I would walk him as much as possible.

[msvette2u]

Carry him...as Jean recommended

[Elaine]

Carrying him is not necessary unless you like to overreact to a lesser problem.

[msvette2u]

A disease that regularly kills dogs is not, IMO, a "lesser" problem.

[Elaine]

More dogs are put down due to behavioral problems that could have been prevented by early socialization, than the much smaller risk of getting parvo in a vaccinated puppy.

Walk the puppy.

[msvette2u]

the much smaller risk of getting parvo in a vaccinated puppy.

It's a small risk until it's your puppy lying there on it's death bed.
To the OP - check with your vet - but if they recommend another few weeks and at least one more vaccine, then follow their advice.

As Jean said -

There are things you can do to increase socialization - having people over, finding people with well behaved, puppy-friendly adult dogs or other vaccinated puppies, etc. Have the puppy exposed to noises, surfaces, things that they would see in the outside world.

all can be done without exposing the puppy to potentially deadly disease.