How long after the 2nd vaccination can a puppy go out?

Taking your puppy for their first walk is a huge milestone, but you’ll need to wait until they are fully covered by their vaccinations to be safe. This is usually a week or so after their second jab in their primary vaccination course, but this does vary depending on which vaccine your puppy has had. It’s best to ask your vet when you take them in for their jabs, as they’ll be able to give you exact timings. As long as your garden is safe, enclosed with solid fences and not used by unvaccinated dogs, then your puppy can explore the garden straight away. There may also be some places with a higher risk that you’ll need to avoid for longer – often for around a month after their final vaccine – such as near rivers and farms. You’ll need to wait until your puppy is fully covered by their vaccines before they can meet most other dogs.

It's generally recommended that your puppy doesn't go outside until they have full protection from their second set of vaccinations. This will typically be two weeks after they’ve had those jabs, but you should always be guided by your vet. When they have only had their first set of vaccinations, they can still be vulnerable to illness and disease, some of which can be very serious. So, we’ve established that your new puppy won’t have the full protection they need until their second set of vaccinations have taken effect (about two weeks afterwards but check with your vet). Some vets will suggest that the first set of vaccinations offer adequate protection from disease and your puppy will benefit from earlier socialisation. Typically, a puppy will have their first set of vaccinations at around 6 - 8 weeks of age and then a second set when they’re between 10 - 12 weeks old. If, despite your best efforts, you suspect your dog has contracted severe gastro-enteritis (vomiting and diarrhoea), or any other disease, contact your vet immediately. When you need to take your puppy out, you can always carry them to keep them safe.

We advise that your puppy is not allowed out until after the second vaccination. We normally give the second vaccination four weeks later. However, you puppy may go out in your own garden for toilet training and can mix with other healthy, fully vaccinated friend’s and family’s dogs within their own gardens. If you are thinking of attending a puppy party to get your dog socialised with other dogs, this can be done after first vaccination, provided that all puppies are vaccinated to this level. Puppies require a vaccination course of two injections which can start from six weeks of age.