When can a puppy go outside safely?
Puppies benefit from going outside early to experience the world. But many owners ask ‘when can a puppy go out safely without risking disease?’. Getting the balance right between safety and socialisation is key. Most puppies can go outside safely 1-2 weeks after their second vaccination (check with your veterinary surgeon). However, they can be carried outside earlier for socialisation, as long as they avoid contact with the ground and unvaccinated dogs.
When can puppies go outside after vaccinations?
It’s a good idea to take puppies outside of the house and garden as soon as possible to get them used to different sounds, smells and experiences. However, typical advice for young puppies is that they cannot walk on the ground outside (in case it has been contaminated by dogs with disease) until 1-2 weeks after their second vaccination to reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens. It is always best to discuss when it is safe to take a puppy outside with your vet as this will depend on factors such as vaccine type and protocol, and local disease incidence and risk.
Until then, here are some simple strategies you can put in place to ensure your puppy can go out safely whilst getting adequate and appropriate socialisation as early as possible before they are fully vaccinated.
When can a puppy go outside in the garden safely?
In most instances it is safe to take a puppy outside in their garden straight away - provided it is secure and has not been soiled by dogs with disease. This is particularly helpful for toilet training a puppy. Check fences to make sure there are no holes or broken bits of fence that your puppy could sneak under or through. Be sure to block access to any unsafe areas such as garden ponds.
If you have any areas of gravel or decorative stone that your puppy may try and play with, or vegetable beds you don’t want your puppy digging up, it’s a good idea to section these off with a temporary barrier.
Reduce the risk of disease and clear your garden of any fox or cat poo before you let your puppy outside. Also be aware of other dangers in the garden such as pesticides, herbicides and rodenticides.
Poisonous plants for dogs
DaffodilsThe bulb of the daffodil is extremely poisonous to dogs. If a dog eats a daffodil bulb it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, salivation and a wobbly appearance. In extreme cases, dogs can collapse and have seizures.- TulipsThis popular spring garden flower is toxic to dogs. They can cause irritation to the mouth, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Crocus plantsThe spring crocus has low levels of toxicity but can still cause mild vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten by a dog. However, the autumn crocus is more dangerous as it can cause problems with the liver and kidneys.
The advice from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service is to:
- Keep bulbs away from dogs when you are planting them
- Make sure your dog does not dig the bulbs back up again after being planted
However, it’s not just toxicity that you need to think about when choosing plants. Some plants may not be poisonous but can harm dogs in other ways. For example, spiky leaves or thorns can damage dogs’ eyes or scratch their skin.
Be aware also of ornamental grasses. These have seed heads which can become lodged in ears, eyes, noses and between toes.
Carrying a puppy
Before vaccinations are complete, your puppy may be at risk if placed on the floor. However, it is safe to take a puppy outside in the safety of your arms. If you prefer you might consider using a carry bag/papoose instead. Please note: it is important that your puppy is introduced to this slowly and carefully so they can relax and not find it stressful.
Beneficial socialisation experiences can include (but are not limited to):
- Carrying your puppy around local walking locations e.g. woods, beaches, heathland or by the road, thus exposing them to different environments and traffic
- Sitting at a dog friendly pub or cafe
- Visiting a garden centre or the local pet shop
- Going to the veterinary practice for some treats
- Sitting near a local pond to watch the ducks
Taking puppy in the car
Another way to go out safely with your puppy before vaccinations are complete is by taking them to places in the car. Introduce your puppy to the car slowly, drive carefully, and do not go too far at first. Park up somewhere so that your puppy can sit in the boot with the tailgate up, with you sitting next to them, and watch the world go by. This might be at a supermarket (watching lots of people and trolleys pass by), near the local train station to listen to the trains, or perhaps the local playing fields on a Saturday when children are playing football.
Again, to ensure a positive experience, it is crucial that your puppy is happy and relaxed in the car and does not perceive this as stressful. Furthermore, it is important to remember that puppies tire easily. So it is important that these experiences are kept short and sweet, with plenty of time to rest. Ensure they have had a chance to exercise and toilet before going into the car so they are content to just sit and watch the world go by.
When can puppies safely meet other dogs?
Puppies learn canine social skills from other dogs. So encounters with other well-socialised adult dogs can help them develop into confident and robust individuals with good social skills. If you have another dog, it’s fine for them to be introduced to your puppy in your home.
It can be daunting for puppies to meet other dogs for the first time. Allowing them to observe dogs from a distance while remaining calm and feeling safe can be hugely beneficial.
They also need to learn how to behave appropriately around other dogs. Going to Puppy School classes can be a good way for them to meet other puppies in a safe environment with the support of an accredited trainer.
Interactions with well socialised, fully vaccinated dogs in your own private garden can also provide opportunities to meet new dogs whilst reducing the risks as much as possible. It is important, however, to introduce carefully, keeping the more boisterous of the pair on the lead at first to allow the other to get used to them, and also to cease interactions as soon as either your puppy or the other dog becomes overwhelmed. A frightening or stressful experience with another dog during this stage can often be worse than a lack of exposure.
FAQs
Yes, as long as they don’t touch the ground
Usually yes, if the garden is secure and low risk
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo), Canine distemper, Canine adenovirus (infectious hepatitis), Leptospirosis and Kennel cough
Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
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“Definitely a great basis for puppy training and we will be attending more classes. Also liked the fact it was a small class.”— Jeff
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“Kelly is a fantastic tutor and clearly is knowledgeable about her subject. I have learned a lot from this course and will be able to teach my puppy much more effectively. ”— Katie
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“Celia was outstanding, friendly, welcoming, professional, knowledgeable and efficient. I very much looked forward to our classes. She took into account my disability and was professionally accommodating. I have 2 friends with new puppies and have already recommended. I loved the website to back up the training, with the training videos and the initial pack with the puppy manual. Fabulous! ”— George
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“Catherine went out of her way to make sure we all understood how dogs should treated in their early life, she always tried to include every puppy in every exercise and made sure we all fun. ”— Serena
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“Lilly was very friendly and engaging throughout the course. She was also always happy to answer any questions we had at the end of the classes. Our Bonbon absolutely loved Lilly! ”— Molly