Puppies should be socialized with other dogs as soon as they are able

Q: We just adopted a new puppy from the shelter. Groot had a cold at first, which got better after a few days of antibiotics but he still coughs a little. He’s been vaccinated once but still needs two more rounds of vaccines over the next couple of months. We hear different things about when it’s safe to take him places. Most importantly, we want to take him to puppy kindergarten but people say it’s unsafe until he’s fully vaccinated. The shelter even said to keep him away from other dogs and not to take him to dog parks. When will he be safe to mingle with people and dogs?

A: Congratulations on your new family member! And kudos for asking all the right questions. It sounds like you haven’t yet found a veterinarian, though. That’s your first step.

“Kennel cough” is analogous to the common cold in humans. Dogs adopted from the shelter are often sent to their new homes with antibiotics, despite the fact that this infection typically resolves without medication. Nonetheless, a veterinarian should always examine them.

Groot should be checked by a veterinarian to ensure he’s fully recovered. A parasite check at this time is necessary, too. If he’s healthy and parasite free, he’s ready for socialization.

It’s a myth that puppies need to wait until they’re fully vaccinated to attend behavior classes. In fact, they should be socialized with both puppies and adult dogs as soon as they’re able to get up and run about.

Because the ideal window of opportunity for socialization is between seven and eleven weeks of age, veterinarians no longer demand that pups be fully vaccinated before embarking on a “puppy kindergarten” class. Waiting until pups are fully vaccinated (at four months) would mean missing the socialization window.

While it’s true that pups are more susceptible to these diseases until they’ve received all three sets of puppy vaccines, the risk is considered minimal so long as they’re socializing with other vaccinated dogs. Socialization is important enough to justify this risk.

There are caveats, however. It’s crucial that new puppy owners employ their common sense when deciding where to take their puppy:

Starbucks or the mall is good for meeting new people and there aren’t many dogs about. Puppy kindergarten is safe because all pups have been vaccinated. The dog park, however, is a free-for-all reserved for healthy dogs with healthy immune systems and a complete set of vaccines.

Dr. Patty Khuly has a veterinary practice at Sunset Animal Clinic in South Miami. Her website is drpattykhuly.com. Send questions to khulyp@bellsouth.net.