This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
Yes she is asking this for all dogs, not just puppies. We are not in a high parvo area and do quarantine dogs longer when they are transferred from areas with a higher incidence of parvo.
Original Message:
Sent: 07-05-2024 05:09 PM
From: Sheila Segurson (she/her)
Subject: Policies re limits if any on socialization and walking of dogs under 6 months
Hi anonymous,
You're talking about ANY dogs, not just those under 6 months.? The answer really depends on your shelter's risk of disease (do you have a lot of parvo or distemper or other life threatening infectious disease) vs. risk of behavior challenges (which is such a big issue these days).
I'd recommend you ask your shelter vet to reach out to the university shelter medicine program that is closest to where you are, to talk about how to balance this risk.
Here's a few resources:
https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/guidebooks/canine-parvovirus/balancing-parvovirus-risk-and-puppy-socialization
https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2013/dec/puppy-socialization-priority-over-puppy-vaccinations-31103
This is a SUPER old article I wrote (prob around 2004?) ,that definitely needs updating, but might be helpful: https://jerseyshoredogtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Socialization-and-Parvo-Risk.pdf
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Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Director of Community Solutions
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
Original Message:
Sent: 07-05-2024 03:31 PM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Policies re limits if any on socialization and walking of dogs under 6 months
This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
I have a similar issue. Our veterinarian does not want us to walk any dogs until 2 weeks after vaccination when they get a booster shot. We need to balance chances of disease with dogs developing severe behavioral issues. I have never waited more than 3 days after vaccination to start working with shelter dogs. What are some protocols regarding this?
Original Message:
Sent: 03-01-2023 06:00 AM
From: Augusta Farley (She/Her)
Subject: Policies re limits if any on socialization and walking of dogs under 6 months
Hi, All,
What is your shelter policy regarding taking young dogs out on walks by volunteers? Would you please share your policy and any resources to support what you do?
I am volunteering at a county shelter that has many young dogs under 6 months and new puppies soon to populate the adoption floor. For me, this is asking for trouble for the dogs' adoption potential futures if they are stuck in a kennel for x number of months.
The current policy at the shelter is that no dog under 6 months can be taken outside except to a cement cage to potty while the room/kennel is cleaned. Like many shelters, there are too many dogs that are staying long term due to not enough adopters, fosters, dog walk volunteers, or other orgs to take them.
Our environment options are small concrete yards that are disinfected, gravel/dirt yards next to the concrete yards, a fenced parking lot next to the shelter, and an open field along a road next to the shelter. Periodically dogs and puppies break with parvo now and that is the biggest worry I hear of, along with coccidia.
Thank you for helping out with answers to my question. to make sure we have the best program for the young dogs and for the shelter and staff.
Augusta
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
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Augusta Farley
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