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How to prevent parvo in my new puppy when I have an older dog?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | spayed | 6 years and 1 month old

We have a dog and are about to get a new puppy. How can we disinfect our older dog's paws so that our puppy doesn't get parvo?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 1st, 2016

The best thing to do to prevent parvovirus is to make sure that Bella is up to date on her vaccines, and to start the new puppy's vaccine protocol right away. The new puppy will need 3 series of vaccines: the first at 8-10 weeks, the second at 12-14 weeks, and the third at 16-18 weeks. Also keep the new puppy away from any dogs with an unknown vaccination status, and restrict her outdoor activities until she is fully vaccinated.

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12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If your older dog just had parvo than don't recommend bringing a young puppy into your house until the puppy is fully vaccinated. If there is no history of recent parvo in your older dog than you don't need to disinfect anything. Parvo is transmitted through exposure to infected feces or environment.

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    9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 13th, 2018

    The best method is vaccines. You want to make sure they get boosters every 3 weeks until she is 15-16 weeks old then once every 1-3 years (depends on the type of vaccine your vet uses). I would also keep her away from any public dog areas like dog parks, etc. I would also keep her in your yard and only visit places where you know the dogs are fully vaccinated. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on May 13th, 2018

    Hi there. It's normally fine for puppies to go out in your yard, walk around the neighborhood, etc. at this age unless you have reason to believe that your area is particularly high-risk for parvo or other diseases. Puppies are usually well-protected by maternal antibodies from their mothers until they are 7-8 weeks of age, so it's unusual to see puppies in this age group come down with parvo in my experience. So I wouldn't be overly concerned :) Just go ahead and start her vaccines as scheduled, and keep her away from high-traffic areas with lots of strange dogs (dog parks, pet stores, etc.) until she's finished with her vaccinations. Other than that, it's fine for her to live her life like a normal puppy.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on December 20th, 2018

    If they had enough vaccines as younger dogs, then they hopefully have adequate immunity. They have likely already been exposed, but the best you can do is to disinfect everything the puppy touched with 1:32 diluted bleach and to keep them separated for 2 weeks (puppies can continue to shed the virus for several days after recovering from illness). Make sure to change clothes and wash well after being with the puppy.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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