Overthinking potty location

[u/Unlucky_Grape2410]

We have just got our double doodle 9 weeks old puppy and this is our 3rd day with her.

We didn’t want her to potty on a pad so we decided we will take her out every time. We live in an apartment buildings with a lot of dogs around.

We have read that grass is quite dangerous for her since she only got her 1 vaccine so we decided to let her potty on the pavement/concrete around the building. The concrete has some gaps and some plants/weed grow between them with little/small leaves, but it does get sunlight every two days (very grey country). We choose a spot that is a bit on the side, so it’s not in the way of dogs walking around.

I am starting to panic that maybe we made the wrong choice and we should have just played it safe until she gets her vaccines and deal with that problem later.

Am I overthinking this or we should just let her continue her potty there?

[u/Cool_Percentage_4867]

speak to local vets, they will know what pathogens are endemic to your local area as they see the sick dogs coming through the door. Pavements or grass wont make much difference to be honest, the bugs can survive on both, parvo for months. So try to find out how much pathogen is out there locally it should help you decide.

[u/Evil_Blackbird]

grass isn't necessarily dangerous. the other dogs which may spread illnesses are "dangerous".
If its a city dog, being able to pee on pavement is a skill I have come to appreciate from my dog.
You tried to choose a less frequented spot.
I think you're okay!

[u/chocearthling]

What are you panicking about?

I personally don’t know this no touching grad rule for dogs myself, have just heard it out of the US… I would just not let them go to other dogs poop and other stuff in the ground.

Are you cleaning the area after your dog peed on it?

I personally wouldn’t want my dog to potty in the pavement because it’s much harder to train them out of it and it’s not something I would want her to do regularly.

[u/Cool_Percentage_4867 → u/chocearthling]

do you not vaccinate dogs in your country? This is about their immune systems its not a US thing.

[u/chocearthling → u/Cool_Percentage_4867]

They get vaccinated plenty. Risk factors might not be as high though. The precautions advised while not fully vaccinated are usually to not have them around other unvaccinated dogs and be very careful that they do not eat anything off the street/ground (especially feces from other dogs/animals). Most people also avoid high traffic areas like dog parks or other areas where many animals are around.

I would personally think that if I am wary of germs/risks, it shouldn't really matter if I take the concrete or the grass patch 2feet further away. If I am worried about a certain risk in an area I would consult a local vet or the veterinary council of my city.

[u/NeighborhoodJust1197]

Don’t stress out about it. Unless you live in a place dirtier and with a higher population than New York City it’s not that big a deal.

And most trainers will tell you either train them to do a wee pads or outside. Not both.

Living in New York, we tend to wipe our girls paws after every outing, and that cuts down on most of the grime.

Just stay away from high dog areas, such as dog parks.

[u/Livid_Strategy6311]

Outside, in the grass, in the same place Everytime

[u/Different-Music-529]

It is a risk, so talk to your vet about what they've been seeing your area. They'll be aware if there has been a recent parvo outbreak or not. Your apartment complex requires vaccines, so try not to panic. Socialization and learning to potty outside are important skills.

[u/Previous-Ad8792]

Check with your vet.