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No vaccines during corona lockdown?

Kiki88

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Hi all,
We picked up our new puppy a week ago, and she is due her second vaccine in a week or two.
Unfortunately the way in which our vet has interpreted the governments lockdown regulations seem to mean she cannot be vaccinated until regulations are let up. That might be months!

Does anyone know if all vets are interpreting the guidance this way?
If it is - any good ideas on how to ensure she is socialised to the world? We luckily have a garden.
 
I've found this article that should be helpful: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-breeders/breeders-and-coronavirus-covid-19-faqs/

As for your specific question, it says, 'We are seeking clarification from Defra about microchipping puppies and whether the government is considering any temporary exemption regarding the law at this unprecedented time.' So if you keep an eye on the Kennel Club website, they may be able to update the information soon.

They give some advice about socialisation, but @JoanneF may be able to give more so I'm tagging her. If she's small enough to carry and you're not self-isolating, you could take her out with you, sit her on your lap on a park bench (to be on the safe side, sit on a plastic sheet and don't touch the bench?) and watch the world go past. Maybe give her a treat each time a person or dog comes into view - or comes nearer - to build positive associations (also cars, lorries, people with hats, beards, mobility scooters, etc.). I wouldn't do this anywhere dogs are off lead as you don't want them to come right up to you - and be prepared to ask people not to get within 2m. You don't want to shout at them and make your pup think people are scary, so you may need to get up and walk away...

... or take a long stick with you. A few days ago my husband, without thinking, stood close to an old woman in front of him in the queue in the Post Office and after I'd dragged him back the woman jokingly pointed her walking stick at him and said, 'If I can poke you with this you're too close!' :D
 
I've found this article that should be helpful: Breeders and coronavirus (Covid-19) FAQs

As for your specific question, it says, 'We are seeking clarification from Defra about microchipping puppies and whether the government is considering any temporary exemption regarding the law at this unprecedented time.' So if you keep an eye on the Kennel Club website, they may be able to update the information soon.

They give some advice about socialisation, but @JoanneF may be able to give more so I'm tagging her. If she's small enough to carry and you're not self-isolating, you could take her out with you, sit her on your lap on a park bench (to be on the safe side, sit on a plastic sheet and don't touch the bench?) and watch the world go past. Maybe give her a treat each time a person or dog comes into view - or comes nearer - to build positive associations (also cars, lorries, people with hats, beards, mobility scooters, etc.). I wouldn't do this anywhere dogs are off lead as you don't want them to come right up to you - and be prepared to ask people not to get within 2m. You don't want to shout at them and make your pup think people are scary, so you may need to get up and walk away...

... or take a long stick with you. A few days ago my husband, without thinking, stood close to an old woman in front of him in the queue in the Post Office and after I'd dragged him back the woman jokingly pointed her walking stick at him and said, 'If I can poke you with this you're too close!' :D


Thank you so much! All excellent advice. She is a Maltipoo so the last thing I want is to raise a dog who is dependent on being in my arms to feel safe- but the bench idea is great!
 
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It's actually quite a good time to socialise a puppy, not ideal but not too bad. This is because a lot of people over expose puppies and the dog can get quite overwhelmed. That is far less likely in the current environment.

Think quality, not quantity. Letting all and sundry (people and dogs) near a puppy can be overwhelming and frightening - the opposite of what you want. Socialisation is not about plunging your puppy into every new experience, but rather allowing him or her to see, hear and get used to people and situations calmly and from a safe position.

So yes, carry her around tucked into a jacket so she can observe without interacting. As long as she isn't on the ground she will be perfectly safe.

There is quite a good checklist here - it wouldn't be practical, or necessary to get everything on the list but it's a good guideline and illustrates that socialisation is about more than just having a run around with other dogs. The Puppy Socialization Exposure Checklist - Whole Dog Journal
 

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