Worming Your Chihuahua or Small Breed Dog and Puppy
 
     Chihuahuas are a very small dog. That being said, it is very important to maintain optimum health as, being very small, it doesn't take much to compromise their immune systems. Once the damage caused by worm infestations takes hold of the organs and tissues... it cannot be reversed. Strictly adhering to a good worming schedule is the best way to protect your puppy from a life of illness and disease. On average, a Chihuahua should have their worming schedule at the following ages:
 
     2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and then Once per month (like clock-work.)
 
     The only time I would skip the 2 week worming is if the puppies are not thriving, (not growing, not nursing, or signs of having a suspected medical condition) and even then... I feel it is better to risk worming them anyway so they don't have the added complication of parasites to deal with while they are struggling.
 
     I hear people say all the time that their Chihuahua doesn't need to be wormed because the dog never goes out where it can be exposed to worms. This is completely false. Even if your puppy uses a litter box, and you never take them anywhere... People go places like stores, sidewalks, work, and other public places. All of the people who walk in these public places pick up traces of disease and parasites and spread them across the world. Then you walk where they have walked and bring these things home to your precious baby. Parasites and disease can also be carried into your home by insects like the common house fly or even a mosquito. If your dog is not protected and you falsely think there isn't any way your pet could get a disease or parasites, you may not take action when symptoms begin. It may be too late by the time they start vomiting worms or having wormy diarrhea. By the time this starts to happen, severe internal damage has already begun. Once internal damage has occurred, things like nutritional uptake will never be the same and your pet is doomed to being at risk for poor health for the rest of it's life.
 
     Please, realize how prevalent parasites and diseases are in every walk of life... Make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss common parasites and diseases in your area to make sure you are properly protecting your pet. Not all worming medications will protect your puppy or dog from all species of parasites. In general, a fecal exam should be performed at four to six weeks of age to determine the presence of parasites and to determine what type of medicine is the best for your situation. Even if you do not see any signs or symptoms of worms, there are lots of microscopic organisms which may infest your pet. Only an exam performed by a licensed veterinarian can determine the presence of these organisms which can't be seen by the human eye. Once you know your pet is clear of these tiny predators, and you know what kind and how much medicine to give and how often, if you feel comfortable following your veterinarians directions, buying the medication, and administering it to your pet at home, this is fine. But, please never think you Chihuahua is too small to take the medication or is not at risk for infection. Little dogs need your protection even more than bigger dogs.
 
     Worm Your Small Breed Dog or Puppy!
 
 
     Common Dog Diseases
 

     Distemper: The virus itself is related to the human measles virus and can produce a number of different disease patterns in canines. Transmission usually occurs via airborne. It is highly contagious and can travel some distance. Distemper can affect a number of body systems, including respiratory and nervous system. Early signs of the disease include fever, loss of appetite and a mild conjunctivitis. These signs come and go; as a result pet owners often miss the early phase of the disease. As it progresses, signs become more serious. They include coughing, breathing difficulties, Eye & Nose Discharges , vomiting, diarrhea, blindness, paralysis and seizures.
 
     There is no specific treatment for distemper. As a result supportive care with antibiotics and fluids is indicated. The overall prognosis is poor with 50% of dogs that exhibit signs of dying in spite of care, of the dogs that do recover 50% of them are expected to have some form of nervous system complication. Immunization at early age is the cornerstone of preventing this disease. Disinfection of premises with a dilution of 1/30 bleach will help to reduce spread.
 

     Canine Adenovirus: Both types 1 & 2 cause infectious hepatitis and respiratory infection. This diseases is also a factor in kennel cough.
 

     Bordetella: Canine Parainfluenza or Kennel Cough is the most common bacteria implicated as a cause of respiratory disease in the canine. It is commonly involved in the development of canine cough. Frequently many patients within a household or kennel will be simultaneously infected.
 

     Canine Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs. It is found primarily in young animals the ages of 1 to 4 years. In addition, males seem to be more commonly affected. Signs associated with the disease reflect the damage done by the organisms to the body's blood, liver and kidneys. Fever, depression, vomiting and diarrhea might be early signs. Liver failure and/or kidney failure might appear leading to dehydration and to an orange-brown color urine. Left untreated death will result. Blood and urine cultures might be called on to confirm diagnosis.
 

     Parvo: The virus usually strikes young, unvaccinated puppies under the age of 6 weeks although all ages can be susceptible to infection. It is highly contagious. Parvo virus affects the intestines, the immune system, and/or the heart of infected dogs and can quickly be fatal Signs seen include loss of appetite, persistent vomiting and profuse diarrhea, often streaked with blood. As these signs develop, dehydration and bacterial infection occur rapidly, especially in the young pup. In some cases, severe breathing problems may arise as the heart is attacked.
 
     Treatment for parvo involves supportive care. Intravenous fluids are a must to treat dehydration, dextrose or a sugar supplement and vitamins may be given intravenously as well. Antibiotics and drugs to control vomiting are part of the support plan. Maintain body temperature and reduce stress is a must. Puppies should be vaccinated started at 5 to 7 weeks of age. Contaminated areas can be cleaned 1/30 dilution of bleach. Extremely cold temperatures prior to snow fall will kill the virus. Certain breeds seem to be more sensitive to the disease. They include Rottweiler, Doberman Pinchers, and possibly black Labrador retrievers.
 

     Corona Virus: Corona virus in dogs is highly contagious, causes vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Corona is often mistaken for parvo virus. This virus is transmitted via fecal material containing the virus. Depression and loss of appetite precede other signs.
 
     There is no specific treatment for corona. Intravenous fluids should be given to correct or prevent dehydration along with antibiotics. Vaccination should be started 5 to 7 weeks of age. Environment should be treated with 1/30 dilution of bleach.
 

     Rabies: Rabies is a disease that can kill people as well as animals. The disease is viral in nature and typically passed through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. People may get the disease by being bitten, licked, or scratched. Approximately twenty four hours after the virus enters the body it attacks the brain. Once this stage has been reached, it is incurable, and death eventually results. If rabies shots are given within the 24 hour initial exposure period, the disease can be prevented.
 
     Rabies may cause the behavior of an animal to change. A friendly pet may want to be left alone; a shy pet may want attention and may seem unusually affectionate. The animal may be restless, have difficulty walking, eating, drinking, drooling saliva, make strange noises, bite or scratch an old wound, or seem to be choking. The animal may become excited, confused, or vicious. It may attack people, other animals, or even fixed objects in its state of illness. Beware of any wild animal that seems to be tame, friendly, or is seen in the daytime.
 

     Vaccinate Your Pet !  
 

 

 

 

American Kennel Club (AKC) Registered Chihuahua Dogs and Puppies