Chihuahua Information Center
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Vaccinations
Overview
The subject of dog vaccinations has become a very hot topic recently. The consensus seems split into two: there are those who claim that dogs are receiving too many shots, vaccinations that are not needed. The opposite side of the coin is those who insist these are needed.
So what is a dog owner to do? Who do you listen to?
While you must make your own decision, not many could argue that it would be wise to make a knowledgeable decision. Gather all of the information that you can and then make a decision for your dog.
When a dog is vaccinated, their body builds immunity to the disease that could otherwise strike the dog. Therefore, many clinical studies show that booster shots are simply not needed as much as they are commonly given. They "build immunity" for a dog that already has it.
However, it is suggested that all dogs receive the regular round of shots that are generally recommended; this will ensure good health and even protect others, such as the rabies shot.
So what is a dog owner to do? Who do you listen to?
While you must make your own decision, not many could argue that it would be wise to make a knowledgeable decision. Gather all of the information that you can and then make a decision for your dog.
When a dog is vaccinated, their body builds immunity to the disease that could otherwise strike the dog. Therefore, many clinical studies show that booster shots are simply not needed as much as they are commonly given. They "build immunity" for a dog that already has it.
However, it is suggested that all dogs receive the regular round of shots that are generally recommended; this will ensure good health and even protect others, such as the rabies shot.
How Many Shots Does My Chihuahua Need?
There is not a concise answer. The number of shots through out the life of your Chihuahua will depend on you and your dog's veterinarian. Once the round of standard vaccinations are given, it will be a personal decision as to how often your dog should receive booster shots, if at all.
What Harm Could Booster Shots Do?
Booster shots will not typically harm your Chihuahua. More to the point: Once your dog is immune to a disease, this immunity can last for many years, if not a lifetime. Receiving the same dose over and over again simply empties your pocket and fills the veterinarian's pocket.
What Shots Does My Chihuahua Need?
Guarding your dog against illness is still and always will be vitally important. As a puppy is weaned from the mother, the pup should then receive the first rounds of shots, as they will no longer be receiving immunity from mom's milk. For the health of your dog, your Chihuahua will need the following vaccinations at the vet or animal clinic:
At 5 weeks old: Parvovirus.
6 to 8 weeks: Combination Vaccine. This includes a combionation that wil protect your dog against:
There is not a concise answer. The number of shots through out the life of your Chihuahua will depend on you and your dog's veterinarian. Once the round of standard vaccinations are given, it will be a personal decision as to how often your dog should receive booster shots, if at all.
What Harm Could Booster Shots Do?
Booster shots will not typically harm your Chihuahua. More to the point: Once your dog is immune to a disease, this immunity can last for many years, if not a lifetime. Receiving the same dose over and over again simply empties your pocket and fills the veterinarian's pocket.
What Shots Does My Chihuahua Need?
Guarding your dog against illness is still and always will be vitally important. As a puppy is weaned from the mother, the pup should then receive the first rounds of shots, as they will no longer be receiving immunity from mom's milk. For the health of your dog, your Chihuahua will need the following vaccinations at the vet or animal clinic:
At 5 weeks old: Parvovirus.
6 to 8 weeks: Combination Vaccine. This includes a combionation that wil protect your dog against:
- Adenovirus
- Hepatitis
- Distemper
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus
12 weeks old: Rabies. The age to receive the rabies shot is approximate. Most town/cities/regions have laws for when dogs must receive a rabies shot, as this disease is highly contagious and deadly.
12 to 15 weeks: Your dog will usually need a combination vaccine and what goes into the shot will depend on that dog's particular health risks. For example, a shot to guard again Lyme disease if you live in an area where the risk is high and your dog is outside often.
Adult: The only shot absolutely needed when your Chihuahua is an adult dog will be for rabies, and this is per the law of the region that you live in. However, depending on lifestyle, activity and environment, booster shots should be recommended by an experienced veterinarian, but not demanded. If you do have a trusted vet, it is suggested to take his advice to keep your dog healthy.
12 to 15 weeks: Your dog will usually need a combination vaccine and what goes into the shot will depend on that dog's particular health risks. For example, a shot to guard again Lyme disease if you live in an area where the risk is high and your dog is outside often.
Adult: The only shot absolutely needed when your Chihuahua is an adult dog will be for rabies, and this is per the law of the region that you live in. However, depending on lifestyle, activity and environment, booster shots should be recommended by an experienced veterinarian, but not demanded. If you do have a trusted vet, it is suggested to take his advice to keep your dog healthy.
