It's almost time for revaccination for your Chihuahua

It's almost time for revaccination

As your puppy nears his first birthday, it's time to start thinking, once again, about protecting him from disease. the most common diseases are Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus infections, Bordetellosis, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis and Rabies. Your puppy may get a combination shot that vaccinates him against many of these diseases at once.

Vaccination schedule

Before he was 12 weeks old, your puppy should have received his first shot, protecting him against the most common infectious diseases. the second shot usually takes place between 10 - 16 weeks of age, and the third shot between 14 - 16 weeks of age. the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that puppies be revaccinated annually after their third shot. the exception to this is the vaccination schedule for rabies. the rabies vaccination is usually given at 12 weeks, again at 64 weeks, and then every 1 - 3 years depending on local laws.

Why should you vaccinate your puppy?

It's easy. Vaccinations protect your puppy from infectious diseases. the vaccine is actually a weakened dose of the same disease the shot is protecting your puppy from. Without these shots your puppy's immune system wouldn't recognize the disease, and the antibodies in your puppy's body wouldn't know to destroy it.

You want your puppy to be around for a long time, and you want him to be a healthy companion for you. To protect him from infectious disease, make sure he is revaccinated, and that his vaccinations are kept up to date. this is an important topic - don't hesitate to speak to your veterinarian if you have any questions. Your veterinarian can advise you as to what vaccinations are necessary, specific to where you live.

Suggested Vaccination Schedule for Puppies and Dogs:

DISEASE	1st shot	2nd shot	3rd shot	Revaccination Interval
	Weeks of age
Distemper	6 - 10	10 - 12	14 - 16	annually thereafter
Infectious Canine Hepatitis	6 - 8	10 - 12	14 - 16	annually thereafter
Parvovirus infections	6 - 8	10 - 12	14 - 16	annually thereafter
Bordetellosis	6 - 8	10 - 12	14 - 16	annually thereafter
Parainfluenza	6 - 8	10 - 12	14 - 16	annually thereafter
Leptospirosis	10 - 12	14 - 16		annually thereafter
Rabies	12	64		1 - 3 years depending on local laws

Aggression in the adolescent Chihuahua puppy

Aggression in the adolescent puppy

Adolescence is a time of change for your puppy. Your well-behaved puppy may be showing signs of aggression during this period and it's important to recognize and curb any aggressive behavior quickly. He's not a puppy anymore, but he isn't an adult yet either. He still has some growing up to do and he needs your help to develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. It helps to be familiar with the aggressive behavior that may be displayed during this period so that if your adolescent puppy shows this behavior you will recognize it, and know how to best deal with it.

Signs of aggression

Watch for the signs of aggression. Some signs may be subtle but if you aren't paying attention, and miss the initial signs, your puppy's aggressive behavior will get worse. For example: you have a guest over and your puppy jumps up on the guest in greeting. You command your puppy to sit and he instead leaves the room. You may rationalize that although your puppy ignored your command his disobedience wasn't really important because the same end was achieved – he stopped jumping up on your guest. But in your puppy's mind he has just won a battle and he may push the boundaries a bit further the next time. Never give your puppy a command unless you are prepared to enforce it.

If your puppy becomes possessive with his toys and growls if anyone goes near them he is showing aggressive behavior. Or maybe your puppy has a spot on the couch that he's claimed as his own and he growls if anyone else sits there. That is another example of aggressive behavior. Testing the boundaries he has been given as a puppy is normal in adolescence but it's important that your puppy's behavior is corrected in a consistent manner.

No excuses

Don't make excuses for your puppy's behavior. Excusing his aggressive behavior because "he never did that before" or "he's always so good with me" will only make the situation worse. Watch your puppy for signs of aggression and be consistent in your treatment of it and you will stop your puppy's aggressive tendencies early. If your puppy's aggressive behavior is not caught early it may be necessary to enroll your puppy in obedience school.

Chihuahua Dog Lodge

Dog Lodge August 31, 2006

Learning hotel pet policies and planning ahead will make traveling with your pup a snap. When searching for travel accommodations, ask about pet fees and policies on leaving pets unattended in the room. For security, buy a crate for each pet and practice using it a few times before the trip. A ground-floor room makes it easier to walk your pet. If you leave your pet alone in the room, turn on the TV and air conditioning for comfort. And don't allow your dog to drink out of hotel fountains, which often contain antifreeze.