My cousin is coming over for our Holiday party and wants to bring their 4 month puppy with them. Kai'a (mine), is at 9 weeks and current everything up to this point. Their maltese (did I spell that right?) is up to her 4 month vacinations. Should this be okay, or is there any health reason (or other) why I should not allow to the two to get together at this point?
Puppy Time!?
- Thread starter Katniss
- Start date
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
If you are sure about the maltese's vaccinations, then I think you all will be fine.
take4roll10
Moderator
Yea that's what I've always heard. As long as the dog has all his/her vaccinations, then it should be ok. However, I always wondered if a dog, who is fully vaccinated can still carry a disease? Maybe one of the vets on here can answer this.
The Quahog
Forums Enthusiast
I'll take a crack at it, but sadly veterinarians rarely give simple answers.
And when you say 'a disease'- that covers a lot of ground.
No vaccine is 100%, but canine distemper, rabies, and parvovirus are all very very good- in the 99% plus range. To compare, Lyme disease and feline leukemia are probably closer to 85%. Vaccination certainly does not rule out those diagnoses.
As far as 'carrying' the disease - that is being contagious but not showing any signs- this would not occur in distemper or parvo, though it could in something like lepto. That would not be spread by playing.
While the other dog could happen to be incubating something at the moment without signs, worrying about it would be a bit like buying earthquake insurance in New England. Sure, its possible, but...
And socialization is always a good thing.
So I agree with the others here, shouldn't be a problem. - Dr. Mac
take4roll10
Moderator
Thank for answering my question! I was always curious about that.
Thanks everyone. Elle (my cousin’s dog) came over the other night and she was a joy, to everyone except Kai'a. 
She gave her one sniff and then left her alone. I felt kinda sorry for Kai'a. But she had all her Fur-Aunts and Uncles to love on her and in the end, I don't think it mattered.
But, just so I am clear, I need to wait until her 6 months vaccinations before I introduce her to other dogs (like at the dog park or in puppy classes)?
She gave her one sniff and then left her alone. I felt kinda sorry for Kai'a. But she had all her Fur-Aunts and Uncles to love on her and in the end, I don't think it mattered. But, just so I am clear, I need to wait until her 6 months vaccinations before I introduce her to other dogs (like at the dog park or in puppy classes)?
take4roll10
Moderator
You don't have to wait till 6 months. You have to wait until she has all her vaccinations.
My puppy had all her vaccinations at 16 weeks. It varies depending on your vet. Some are earlier, some are later. Talk to your vet. He/she will be able to tell you.
My puppy had all her vaccinations at 16 weeks. It varies depending on your vet. Some are earlier, some are later. Talk to your vet. He/she will be able to tell you.
SheltieChe
Forums Sage
Our local puppy classes require only first set of vaccination since the pups accepted as early as 7 weeks old.
Thanks everyone. Elle (my cousin’s dog) came over the other night and she was a joy, to everyone except Kai'a.
But, just so I am clear, I need to wait until her 6 months vaccinations before I introduce her to other dogs (like at the dog park or in puppy classes)?
My local Petsmart offers dog training classes.
Puppy: 5 months or younger
Beginner: over 5 months or any adult dog without prior instruction
Based on that, I would say yes puppies younger than 6 months can be.
I'd heard that if a dog recently had the parvo vacc, then they couldn't be around other dogs for x length of time, which may or may not be true. When my sister wanted to bring their puppy to the house, I just requested they get the all clear for socialization from their vet to be sure.