While adopting a puppy we often dream about taking them everywhere with us and playing outdoors with them. Taking your puppy outside of home is tempting but it requires caution.
It is important to remember that our little puppies are extremely vulnerable to outdoor exposure as they have not developed their immune system completely, not they have experienced socialization with people and other animals.
As a breeder with 7 years of experience I always recommend my client to wait a little while to get their puppy vaccinated before taking them outside.
Today I am here with my comprehensive guide to help you understand when can puppies go outside.
When Can Puppies Go Outside?
At the early stage of life a puppy’s immune system is very weak. Therefore, viruses and diseases can easily transmit to your beloved puppy causing them health challenges. Your puppy can go outside and enjoy their time outdoors as soon as they are fully vaccinated.
It will take 18 weeks for your puppy to be fully vaccinated. Wait till then and afterwards you can take your puppy out of home. Beforehand you can take your puppy out briefly but heavy caution and supervision is needed.
When Can Puppies Go Outside for the First Time?
You can take your puppy out of home as soon as they turn 6 weeks old. But you can not let your puppy get into contact with foreign objects or let them walk. You can carry your little puppy in your arms around the block.
You can have a leash or collar in case your puppy jumps off of your arms. This can be his first time interacting with the outside world. Young puppies are easily overwhelmed by the sound, sight and smell. Their first time outside should not be at a busy time of the day or on a busy road full of people and noises.
Also avoid taking your puppy out during cold or hot weather as this can create negative association with their time outdoors. The introduction phase should be short, you surely do not want to overwhelm your little friend.
When Can Puppies Go Outside After Vaccination?
Generally give your little friend 7 days after each vaccination from taking them outside of home. This gives them time to recover and boost their immune system to be able to face outdoors. This also helps in detecting any side effects that may have stemmed from the vaccination.
Consult your veterinarian before taking your puppy out after vaccination as some vaccination requires puppies to take rest and stay indoors for a longer period.
When Can My Puppy Go Outside for Potty Training?
Potty training generally starts at the age of 8 weeks. You have to plan the puppy’s feeding schedule and potty training schedule. You are to start potty training indoors then move on to outdoor potty training. The goal is that your puppy will be able to go outside and do their business independently.
However you can start taking your puppy in your backyard for potty training at the age of 12 weeks old. At this age your puppy has developed a good immune system and has been vaccinated with multiple shots and can easily navigate the environment outdoors by themselves.
What should I consider before taking my puppy outside?
Puppy’s unique nature and inability to protect themselves makes them extremely vulnerable to the environment outdoors. Before taking your beloved puppy outside keep in mind the factors mentioned below.
Puppies Immune System
It is important to consider the strength and development state of your little friend’s immune system. If your puppy is too young do not take them outside as they can easily get infected and sick. The vaccination status of your puppy can determine the strength of their immune system.
You puppy will need multiple vaccinations to boost their immune system, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and canine hepatitis.
Puppy’s Reaction
Our little puppies can be scared of the big and unknown world out there. Observe them and their reaction before taking them out of home. If they are not ready yet, give them some time. Introduce them to the outside world gradually. You can start with your backyard.
Puppy’s Health Condition
While a healthy puppy may enjoy their time outdoors exploring the new world and everything in it. An unhealthy puppy will not feel likewise. Even worse, their health condition can exacerbate over time. Puppies can suffer fever, cold, diarrhea, stomach sensitivities etc.
Temperature outdoor
Puppies can be extremely sensitive to temperature. Even slightly cold or hot temperatures can make them uncomfortable and eventually sick. Therefore, always consider the weather and temperature outdoors before taking your puppy out.
Necessary Supplies
You will need a few supplies to enjoy the time with your beloved pup and protect them. You will need a leash, collar, a bag of delicious treats, identification tag in the coller including your number and address, waste bags, and a portable water dispenser. In the beginning phase you may also want to put a tracker in their collar in case you lose them.
Safe environment
The outdoors can have a lot of threats and potential hazards. You should evaluate the safety of the place you are taking your puppy at and pick accordingly. In the beginning phase it is better to avoid crowded public places or places with a lot of destruction.
Socialization Level
Your little friends’ socialization level can impact their experience of the outdoors. A puppy with little to know socialization may have a much more stressful and difficult time outdoors in comparison to puppies with early socialization.
If your puppy is yet to experience socialization then give them some time before taking them outside of home.
Final Words
Being a puppy parent can be a daunting task. Being super cautious and ensuring that our puppies are safe all the time is not easy. Thai comprehensive guide on when can puppies go outside has now made you an aware and responsible puppy parent.
For more information on puppy care and safety visit our website where we prioritize your little furry friend’s wellbeing over everything.
