Potty training outside of apartment - worried about diseases

dgeggis · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 3:50 am Post subject:

Do yourself a favor and have the vet test for Giardia. You need to specifiy that you want the specific test for Giardia. My vet called it a SNAP test.

This can be picked up from exposure to feces from infected dogs. It can be very difficult to get rid of and it is best treated if discovered early.

I was looking into a doggie day care for Remy for us later on and the owner said that she required this test. My vet was suprised and neither of us had any reason to think he would have these parasites. So he did the test and we were very suprised that he tested positive. We have Remy on medication and will retest this weekend.

Some folks on this site have had a devil of a time getting rid of this parasite. I only let Remy into areas where I know its safe. Otherwise I carry him around.

Sounds like your on the right track. You might want to use the piddle pads outside at first. that way you have a bit of a barrier between the ground and your puppy. It also makes it easier to clean up.

I started using the piddle pads and stopped. It did take a bit longer as he did correlate using the pads with going inside.
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Diane

babydoll · Junior Member Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Posts: 66

Actually Giardia is a parasite found in ponds and streams - it can infect humans as well (it is why you don't drink water when camping unless you filter it, boil it, or treat it). Your puppy/dog is more likely to get this parasite if they swim or drink mucky water.

Ask your vet, but I am pretty sure that as long as you keep your puppy current on his vaccinations (stick to the schedule) his antibody titers at 10 weeks should be high enough to protect him.

It is also important that you don't keep your puppy in a bubble till 16 weeks of age...the 10-16 week period is really important for proper socialization. What is the rule? 100 new things in a 100 days?

Hudson's Dad · New User Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 7 Location: Dallas, TX

Thanks for the additional info. Yeah, I am concerned about keeping him isolated for that long since I have read that socialization is especially important for doodles. I'll definitely talk to my vet about when it is safe and get the socialization train rolling as soon as I'm given the okay.
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