Dog Owner’s Handbook

Vaccination Schedule

New puppies should be vaccinated 4-6 weeks for Parvo, at 8,12 & 16 weeks give a combination shot. The vaccines listed with stars (***) are optional & should ONLY be given if your dog is in a high risk area. Annual vaccination for geriatric dogs should ONLY be given after consulting with your vet.***Never vaccinate a small dog or young pup with Lepto.

​The vaccine is not needed & can cause harsh & sometimes fatal reactions. House dogs do not need to be vaccinated for Lepto; adult inside dogs need to be vaccinated for Lepto only if there is a possibility of traveling in the same area as feral animals.

Please always remember to read label instructions & consult your vet before administering any vaccines.
​Virus NamePuppy Doses< 16 weeksAdult Doses> 16 weeksRe-VaccinationDistemper1 dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks & 12-14 weeks of age1 doseAnnuallyParvovirus1 dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks & 12-14 weeks of age2 doses 3-4 weeks apartAnnuallyAdenovirus-Hepatitis 1 dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks & 12-14 weeks of age1 dose if MLV 2 doses 2-4 weeks apart if KVAnnuallyParainfluenza1 dose at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks & 12-14 weeks of age1 doseAnnuallyRabies (KV)1 dose as early as 3 months of age1 dose1-3 years or as required by your state law***Leptospira 1 dose at 12 weeks & second dose at 14-16 weeks of age2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart***Annually as needed*****LEPTO VACCINES are NOT recommended for small breed dogs********Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)1 dose at 6-8 weeks & 10-12 weeks

*Also can give 1 dose intranasal at 3 weeks of age2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart***Annually as needed***Borrelia Burgdorfei (Lyme Borreliosis killed bacterin)1 dose at 9-12 weeks & second dose 2-4 weeks later2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart***Annually as needed***

​Coronavirus1 dose at 6 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age1 dose if MLV 2 doses, 2 weeks apart if KV or use only if needed***Annually as neededThis information is the standard vaccination schedule and may vary with manufacturers, therefore further instructions may accompany each vaccine.
​

Please always read your label instructions & consult your veterinarian before administering.De wormingDeworming is a very important part of Chihuahua puppy care. Since parasites can ravage a little Chihuahua, cause extreme suffering and ultimately death, it is very important to keep up with preventive treatment. Giving your dog the medication is very important because heartworm prevention medication will not work for tapeworms, whipworms and other parasites that can enter quickly into the body and cause great harm.

​Today, medications will perform 2 functions at the same time: prevention and expulsion. If a mama Chihuahua has worms (sometimes very hard to detect without medical testing) these can and most often are passed from mom to puppy during birth. For proper Chihuahua puppy care, this should be done at certain times (and also at times through the dog's life):

•When the Chi is a puppy at 6, 8, 10 and 12 months old•Just before planned breeding and also before whelping. •Older, adult Chihuahuas should be dewormed 2 times per year•Anyone who just obtains a Chihuahua should deworm the dog for precautionary measuresBlankets -A soft baby blanket should be placed inside the dog crate, any time that your Chihuahua puppy is placed inside. It is important to keep this clean.

Beware of dog allergies, if you notice any signs, your laundry detergent may be the cause. Be sure to read our Allergy section. Dog Dish & Water Bowl - As mentioned above, a Chihuahua puppy has a soft spot on its head. The dog food dish and water bowl should be very shallow, so that the puppy does not bump its head against it.Dog Tooth Brush & Dog Toothpaste -

Dental care should begin from day 1 when you bring your Chihuahua puppy home. Collar & Leash - The dog collar and leash for a Chihuahua should be very lightweight.

Designated Outside Elimination Area or Litter Box - Which way do you prefer to house train your Chihuahua? Choosing one spot outside will help your puppy understand what to do! You may also train your Chi to use an indoor litter box, this is a very accepted method for small breed dogs, and certainly for the Chihuahua.A Good Vet - Do not choose the vet closest to your home. Choose the most qualified and caring veterinarian. Safety & LoveChihuahua puppy care also means providing your dog with a safe, peaceful, happy and loving home.
​

The puppy should have it very own area to:•Eat - a quiet area in a quiet room•Sleep and rest - a dog needs a spot to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed and just want to restThe well-adjusted Chihuahua puppies will be those who:•Are socialized to both humans and other pets•Have a daily routine that they can count on - times for waking, eating, exercise, play time & interaction with you, walks, play time with their toys, grooming, eating and relaxing with the family.•Proper

Chihuahua puppy care means making sure that your puppy can also count on knowing where things are. A puppy must be able to know exactly where their dog food will be, their water, their doggie bed and so forth.