how many shots does a healthy chihuahua need during its...

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Answer by chimama
Submitted on 9/22/2003
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Lots. For the first few months, it may seem like you are taking your puppy in every two to three weeks for shots. This is normal. If you have human children, it is much the same, babies get tons of shots in the first year. A chihuahua needs no more and no less vaccinations than any other dog, in my opinion. Puppy will need vaccines against Parvovirus, Distemper, Coronavirus, and perhaps a few others. Many of these are combined in a single shot, but they require a series of boosters so likely they will be given three times between 8 and 16 weeks. Puppy will also need vaccination against Bordatella (kennel cough) which is nose drops. I also have my 'babies' vaccinated against Guardia which they can pick up from licking dirty water outside, and Lymes disease. Many people don't get the Lymes shot, but since my neighborhood is full of large hunting type dogs, I'd just as soon not take the chance of my baby getting bitten by an infected tick. Puppy should also get a series of oral dewormers which you can give yourself, and should be put on monthly heartworm pills after they test negative for heartworm. At around 4 months, puppy will get a Rabies shot. That usually signifies the end of the vaccinations. Many vets spread out the initial vaccinations a bit more, because chi's are so small. This is a good vet, not an excuse to get more office fees, although if you vet doesn't, it doesn't mean s/he is not a good vet, maybe they have more experience with chi's. After that, there are yearly boosters that my experience has been one or two combined shots, plus rabies every three years. Heartworm can also be given as a vaccination rather than a monthly pill from here on. Blatant Uncompensated Endorsement : I go to a Banfield Pet Hospital because they have a 'Pay one fee and all the care is free' plan for both puppies and adult dogs. Vaccinations are covered, unlimited office visits, and spay/neuter surgery as well as two yearly comprehensive exams. It ends up costing just over 1/2 what it would if you purchased each shot as it was given. You will pay for heartworm meds and a few other misc. items, but you get a discount. End of Blatant Uncompensated Endorsement You may find a vet in your area that has a similar arrangement. Thank you for caring about your puppy and asking, please don't skip shots, there's nothing worse than watching your pet suffer and/or die because you didn't want to pay for a shot. If you can't afford them all, reconsider having a pet, they rely on you to keep them safe. Please consider spay/neuter at six months, every puppy should be a wanted puppy.

Answer by chimama
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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Justine_Marie, I can't help specifically with Nebraska, but a good pet-quality chihuahua should cost around $400 give or take $100 if it comes from a reputable breeder. Other threads here talk about how to choose a breeder, if you would rather not search, please enter a new question entitled "How do I pick a good breeder" and I will answer. Caine, Shots can add up to a lot of money, but please make sure your dog gets all their vaccinations, and yes, yearly boosters are necessary. If you have concerns about costs, I use the Banfield clinics (www.banfieldhospitals.com or 1-866-277-7387). They have something called Wellness plans. It is not insurance, it is a pre-paid plan. I pay a set fee and all vaccinations, exams, unlimited office calls, etc. are covered at no cost. The puppy plan will also cover the cost of neutering, hospital stay, lab work, etc. It ends up that overall the cost is about 1/2 what it would be if you paid for each service individually. And, if you pay all at once at the start of the plan, you get a discount. All non-covered things (usually just things like heartworm pills, antibiotics, etc.) are discounted too. I don't get anything for recommending them, but I'm that impressed that I do recommend them. They have hospitals (clinics) all over the US, membership in one means you can use any of them, so if you travel, that's just one more advantage, your dogs records are available at any clinic.

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Question by bigSexXy
Submitted on 9/19/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ
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how many shots does a healthy chihuahua need during its first three months?

Answer by VickyGirl
Submitted on 3/26/2004
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You should always have a vet!!A puppie should have its first set of shots at 7 weeks old,2nd set at 9 weeks old,3rd set at 12 weeks old,And the last set with rabies at 15 weeks old,And then a yearly booster.But you should check with your vet and see whats right for you puppie.

Answer by Caine
Submitted on 4/10/2004
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How much do all injections cost for a puppy.

Answer by justine_marie24
Submitted on 4/29/2004
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How much does a chihuahua in Nebraska cost?

Answer by proud new owner
Submitted on 5/17/2004
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My baby got 2 separate shots as a baby (before bredders give them away)then I brought him for shots at 10 weeks, then a shot at 12 weeks, then the vet and I have made appointments for a shot at 16 weeks, then a shot at 20 weeks, then a yearly check-up is fine. Each appointment costs around $60 canadian.

Answer by markus
Submitted on 7/14/2004
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What's the best age to have a male puppy neutered?

Answer by LA TRAVIESA
Submitted on 4/19/2005
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my puppy is very cute and loves me alot well thats what i think. He always wants to be cruissing he doesnt like to stay home. most of the time he doesnt even know what he wants, he is very confussing he barks a lot but he dont bite.

Answer by ramon 123
Submitted on 5/2/2005
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when is it good for a chichuachua to have babies

Answer by Kasey
Submitted on 7/20/2005
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Most vets would say at around 6 months of age, but a recent study shows that it can be done safely (and without any side effects) as early as 6 weeks. Your best bet is to talk with your pet's vet and set up a time that would be of the best benefit to your individual animal.

Answer by ChiOwner
Submitted on 12/7/2005
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I just wanted to say that this site in general is the most helpful of all the chihuahua sites i have visited. i just got a new chi that is 10 wks old and have been doing most of my research here. she has already been dewormed once before i got her, and she had one Parvo shot. She is nearing 11 weeks...what can i get her?? this is my first baby, so any suggestions would help me! any other suggestions? she has fallen off a pretty high sleigh bed a few times, but shows zero signs of injury...also, she absolutely refuses water (eats wet food) but will NOT drink. i have given her pedialyte at times, but she shows no dehydration symptoms. should i worry? help! thank you!!

Answer by 8qflq6wd9I
Submitted on 3/14/2006
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Answer by hJWjwXgVtf
Submitted on 7/7/2006
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Answer by maryjane
Submitted on 12/29/2006
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Puppies need vaccine every few weeks until 16 weeks. Then not until a year. Vaccinating dogs and cats every year is a thing of the past according to American Veterinary association. Once every 3 yrs is all. They have found that vaccine lasts for life as it does in people and every three years is actually overkill. But doing it every year like Banfield does causes immune system damage. Those shots they are giving your dog cost 68 cents so they get you good for that 16.95 a month you pay. Wake up people and become informed. Look it up.

Answer by susanna
Submitted on 6/9/2007
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how much is everything all togeather for a chihuahua including it's shots, and getting it fixed?

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