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Is my 3-month-old puppy safe at the dog park with incomplete shots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 3 months and 5 days old

Is it safe to take my 3 month old puppy to the park he has his first parvo and deworming shots only though

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on April 1st, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! For his own safety and the safety of other dogs, it would be best to wait until he has received his complete first year round of vaccines including the second parvovirus vaccine which usually is given at around 4-5 months of age though that depends on when they received the first set of vaccines. This should be soon anyway so you should be able to take him to the park fairly soon. He is adorable!!! Good luck and have a great day!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 20th, 2018

    Thank you for more information about Nyla and her vaccines! I can only speculate here, but I imagine that the reason why the Petco vets says she needs another set of shots is because the first was given by the breeder. Many vets, including myself, do not count vaccines given at home by breeders and owners as legitimate. This is because owners and breeders often give them incorrectly, and stores that sell vaccines OTC often store them improperly. All of this renders the vaccine ineffective, and there are numerous times where a dog has come down with parvo or distemper after being vaccinated at home. In addition, the breeder may have given it too early to Nyla for the first shot to be considered effective. A puppy is not old enough to get their first vaccine until they are at least 6-8 weeks of age. This is because before that point, the maternal antibodies are still present and will interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine. At three months of age, she will not be old enough to be fully vaccinated. If the schedule is followed correctly starting with vaccinating at 6 weeks of age, then the dog is considered fully vaccinated 10 days after getting their third vaccine at 14 weeks of age (3 months and 2 weeks old). I am wondering if the breeder gave the first vaccine too early, and that's why the vet won't count it and wants another vaccine given. Personally, I recommend listening to your vet, who is the expert on animal health, and getting that third vaccine. Your dog's health is too important to risk, and based on the additional information you have provided me, I still say no to the beach and park until after she gets that third vaccine from the vet. I hope this helps.

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