Puppy Vaccines and Going Out

What to do

1. Ask your vet for your puppy's vaccine schedule. The last puppy dose is usually given at 16 weeks or older.
2. Start socializing now, not after the vaccines. Plan short, happy meetings with new people, sounds, surfaces and places.
3. Carry your puppy in public places, and don't put it on the ground where unknown dogs go.
4. Let it meet healthy, fully vaccinated dogs you know, at home or another clean place.
5. Join a puppy class from about 7 to 8 weeks old, at least a week after its first vaccines and first deworming, where all puppies are vaccinated.
6. Keep vaccines, deworming, and flea and tick treatments up to date.
7. Start dog parks and busy walking spots about 1 to 2 weeks after the final puppy vaccine, or when your vet says.
8. Ask your vet which extra vaccines your area needs, such as for leptospirosis.

When to call your vet

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea, especially if bloody
• Very low energy
• Not eating
• Strong fear, hiding or trying to escape new things

Why

Puppies learn best about new people, dogs and places in their first three months, before their vaccines are finished, and behavior problems kill more young dogs than infections do. Vets in Southeast Asia still see parvo and distemper often, so safe choices matter.