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When can my 11-week puppy safely socialize after second shots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 16 days old | 47 lbs

My puppy is 11 weeks and just had his second round of shots. My vet told me something that just doesn’t sound right. She said he’s now ok to be socialized with other dogs. I’ve been told by other sources that he should have all his shots and not till 16 weeks. I need guidance as I do not want to expose my pup unnecessarily to anything.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 6th, 2019

I personally recommend not socializing with other dogs until after the puppy is fully vaccinated at 16 weeks of age if you do not know the other dogs's vaccination status. Now if there are dogs who belong to friends of yours and you know for certain the dogs are vaccinated, Luke can socialize with them. No dog parks, however. I hope this helps!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 22nd, 2017

    Remi should not be exposed to other dogs or areas where other dogs have been previously (i.e. parks or around your neighborhood) until 2 weeks after her last set of distemper/parvovirus vaccines. This generally occurs around 16 weeks of age. She needs to wait that long to assure that her immune system has had time to mount an appropriate antibody response that is protective against those viruses. I know that makes socialization very difficult, but it's not worth the risk of exposing her to those viruses.

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