I’m not a vet and I don’t play one on tv, so do your own research and make up your own mind. Double check everything I say AND what your vet says!
This is always a touchy subject and my objective is not tell people what to do, but just to encourage research about what you put into your pup’s body. We do a full schedule of vaccines and wormer before the puppies leave here but you have the rest of their lives to worry about.
We recommend treating your new chihuahua puppy like a newborn baby. Do not take them out in public until they are have had their final Parvo vaccination at 14-16wks of age.
This is a long read, but well worth the time, all about Parvo:
This is an excellent podcast all about the Parvo vaccination and why their 1 year shot can be their very last one, forever:
Heartworm is a whole other story. Read a few of these articles and make your own mind up. Vets want your pup on heart worm meds every single month (to the day!), year round. If you go over the 31 days, they want to do a heart worm test and after our research, we disagree. We have been purchasing our heart worm/flea meds through an Australian Pet Meds company because they don’t require a vet’s prescription. This is the site we use and have always been pleased with them. https://www.pets-megastore.com.au
And two other good articles to read:
If you’ve read these articles and listened to the podcast, and your eyes are open to this new info, for the first time, do you now feel like you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole? I know I did the first time! Remember, take your time when making health decisions for your pets (and yourself!). Trust no-one. Question everyone and everything. Follow the money. Be open to new concepts and do what is best for your family. They call it SCIENCE like it’s the absolute truth, but science is only science until someone smarter comes along. Remember, doctors used to say smoking was good.
Our a own vaccination schedule:
BonBon’s Vaccine Protocol
Only CORE vaccines (DA2PP & Rabies vaccines) are to be given!
The first Distemper and Parvo Vaccine has already given between 7-9 weeks of age.
Second DA2PP should be given at 12 weeks of age
Third and last puppy vaccine is DA2PP is given at 16 weeks of age or older.
*RABIES is given at 20 weeks of age, or older, or as per state law, ask your vet about the mercury-free Rabies vaccine.
*Give Rabies vaccine separate from other vaccines
Bordetella vaccine is only given at 14 & 18 weeks of age and ONLY if the pup needs to be boarded or will need surgery. This must also be given separately from other vaccines.
IF ANY OF THESE VACCINES CAUSE REACTIONS CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!
Keep Benadryl on hand for allergy emergencies!
ADULT Vaccines:
One year after the 16 week DA2PP, boost with a 3 year DA2PP vaccine.
One year after the Rabies vaccine, boose with the 3 year Rabies vaccine.
Thereafter we would prefer Titers be run to verify if the Distemper or the Parvo vaccines are necessary. Yearly boosters are NOT necessary for DA2PP & Rabies and can damage a dog’s immune system. Rabies vaccine is given as per state law.
Do NOT give vaccines other than the CORE vaccines such as:
Lepto, Lyme, or Corona vaccines.
These vaccines ofter cause severe reactions and are not recommended.
Use flea/tick preventative to keep ticks from transmitting Lyme disease. DO NOT USE TRIFEXIS on any of BonBon’s Chihuahuas. Use a separate Heartworm preventative and a topical flea/tick preventative like Advantix.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROTOCOL WILL VOID THE GUARANTEE!