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Is it safe to introduce a new puppy with first shots to my dog?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 29 days old | 10 lbs

We just picked up our new 8 week old puppy today. He’s had his first vaccinations. We also have another dog, 8 year old dachshund mix, he is fully vaccinated. Is it safe to introduce them?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 11th, 2019

If your 8 year old dog is current on vaccines, then yes, you can introduce them. Just keep the puppy away from any dogs with an unknown or incomplete vaccination history until he has been fully vaccinated at 16 weeks of age.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 27th, 2017

    Hello. As long as your older dog is up to date, and isn't going to dog parks or boarding kennels where she can get viruses on her and bring them home, then your little puppy should be ok. If he is almost 8 weeks he can get his first set of vaccines soon! Have fun with them!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 27th, 2017

    Congratulations on your upcoming puppy! :) As long as your other dogs are healthy and current on their vaccines, there should be no problem at all with allowing your new pup to interact normally with them - no need to keep them separated. Just avoid high-risk areas where lots of strange dogs have been, like dog parks and pet stores, until he's finished with his vaccine series.

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