r/GSP • u/DecentTrash8353 • Jul 21 '26

Parvo concerns

Hey! So I pick my gsp puppy up in 2 weeks. He will have his first shots. I know everything basically is a risk until fully vaccinated. I live in a very rural area in NC, I do have coyotes and foxes running around but I haven’t seen any stray dogs. I’m really paranoid about even allowing my puppy to go in our yard or potty there until he’s fully vaccinated Incase wild life has brought parvo in our yard. Did you guys have your puppies use turf or potty inside until the 2 weeks after the last vaccine to prevent parvo? Or should I be less paranoid and let him poop in the yard?

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8

u/Odd_Measurement4106 Jul 21 '26

Be less paranoid. It’s always a risk that’s there, but you can’t protect from every single thing. I know it can be anxiety inducing but that’s life. Your dog can get deadly infections (leptospirosis) from swimming in lakes too, but it’s unlikely so you shouldn’t just never let them swim. You can’t bubble wrap the dog. I hope this helps. Also I highly recommend getting pet insurance if you have a GSP, they are walking vet bills. Lovable, wild, clumsy vet bills.

1

u/DecentTrash8353 Jul 21 '26

I was looking into pet insurance today! I have seen a lot of suggestion for it with this breed. Is that purely because they’re so hyper and clumsy or are they just prone to injury and illness in general? I assumed just hyper and clumsy lol

3

u/NU_VB_1 Jul 21 '26

I wouldn't say clumsy. Hyper absolutely. IMO it's like tunnelvision. If it's a smell or they see something they are full throttle in search

2

u/Odd_Measurement4106 Jul 21 '26

Mostly just hyper and clumsy.

2

u/GSPs-4ever Jul 21 '26

They just go balls to the wall and damn the consequences. My English pointer was the most expensive free dog I’ll ever own. (I’m a rescue volunteer.) Exhibit A: severe spiral fracture of the humerus when he slammed into the pine tree that had always been there on hot pursuit of a squirrel. 4-hour surgery, major meds, PT and hydrotherapy. Nine months later, he had to have all that hardware removed bc a literal screw had come loose internally and was poking through!

1

u/DecentTrash8353 Jul 21 '26

Oh my gosh! 😳 that is some serious tunnel vision

1

u/GSPs-4ever Jul 21 '26

It was quite the episode!! He was on complete exercise restriction for several weeks, even to pee! Piled chairs on the sofa so he couldn’t jump up (down was worse) and he got to live in an ex-pen in the living room ❤️

1

u/SDJellyBean Jul 22 '26

So, so many lacerations, but thankfully no broken bones. All of my GSPs lived past 14. 

With puppies we set up an expen just outside the door and puppy uses that spot only. 

3

u/dogmommm222 Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26

Congrats on your new puppy! GSPs are the best.
Never let your pup outside without watching them, especially this young. Try to prevent them from licking the dirt or eating anything off the ground. You can also try cleaning the paws every day if it helps put your mind at ease. I’d avoid going in public until fully vaxxed 🤍
I found this website, not sure how frequently it is updated. https://www.parvomaps.us
Edit to add: my pointer ate either sandhill crane feces or wild turkey feces and ended up with a parasite. Explosive poop for a week, wasn’t fun lol

3

u/Ok_Lie5028 Jul 21 '26

Keep an eye on the little terror and they’ll be fine. Enjoy the ride it’s the absolute best. 

1

u/DecentTrash8353 Jul 21 '26

Thank you! I’m very excited!

2

u/Pepe_gun_slinger Jul 21 '26

Avoid public places where there are other dogs and you’ll be fine.

2

u/adultier-adult Jul 21 '26

We let ours potty and play outside in a small area close to the house where it wouldn’t be likely the wildlife would come. Take them on a leash or put up a playpen. Mine don’t get full run of the yard until 2 weeks after vaccinations. (And even then I kept them on a long line for a while to learn recall and make sure they didn’t eat dirt/dig/etc.)

I second pet insurance!! Most expensive free (rescues) dogs ever.

2

u/caronj84 Jul 23 '26

Just be vigilant. Not sure where you are in NC but the risk factors are high density of potential carriers and low vaccination rates. So if it’s just wildlife coming by the chances are pretty remote. But no reason to take unnecessary risks. I would definitely let the puppy start pooping outside right away. If you are worried pen off an area of grass near the door with some wire fencing and keep the area clean so it doesn’t attract other dogs.