08/10/2026
Borrowed, but SO true! ❤️🐾
🐾 PUPPY SAFETY PSA — THE FIRST 16 WEEKS MATTER! 🐾
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but those first few weeks are incredibly important! Even though your puppy has started their vaccines, their immune system is still developing until they complete their puppy vaccine series, usually around 16 weeks of age.
Young puppies are especially vulnerable to illness, and the stress of transitioning to a new home can make those first days even more important.
🚫 Until your puppy has completed their vaccine series, use extra caution with:
❌ Pet stores
❌ Dog parks & heavily used public areas
❌ Vet office floors — carry your puppy in and out
❌ Rest stops & high-traffic sidewalks
❌ Unknown or unvaccinated dogs
🦠 Parvo and other illnesses can be picked up from contaminated environments — your puppy doesn’t have to come face-to-face with a sick dog to be exposed.
❤️ Safe socialization is still SO important!
✔️ Visit trusted friends and family
✔️ Meet healthy, fully vaccinated dogs you know
✔️ Take car rides
✔️ Use a stroller, wagon, or carry your puppy in public
✔️ Introduce new sounds, surfaces, people, and gentle handling in controlled environments
🏡 GO-HOME TIPS
• Keep your puppy on the same food initially and make any changes gradually
• Avoid sudden diet changes
• Keep the first few days calm
• Don’t overwhelm them with visitors
• Keep feeding, potty, and sleep routines predictable
• Ask your veterinarian whether a canine probiotic may be appropriate
💡 Remember, moving to a new home is a BIG change for a little puppy. Stress can sometimes contribute to temporary changes in appetite or stool.
Vaccines build protection over time — those first vaccines don’t mean your puppy is fully protected yet.
🐶 A simple rule to remember:
👉 If you don’t know the vaccination and health status of the dogs using an area, don’t put your puppy on the ground there.
A few weeks of extra caution can help protect your puppy for a lifetime. ❤️🐾
Please keep those babies safe!
