Cross Breeds

When should a shih tzu puppy be dewormed/vaccinated?

I'm buying a 8-week old shih tzu puppy from breeder and he says no shots or deworming is needed until 8 weeks. Is that true? This is my first dog so please help!

Public Comments

1. Not normal at all, go to another breeder! A good breeder would make sure this was done, not leave it to new owners to do.
2. DEFINITELY go to a different breeder, because this one is trying to cut corners and costs by not following the recommended vaccination/worming protocol. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1648&articleid=960 http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1623&articleid=281
3. BS, dont buy. They need their first shots and deworming at 6 weeks, if the breeder hasn't done it. Find another breeder, they aren't good enough for you. http://www.shihtzu.org/ASTC/referral.asp Contact someone off of this page, they can/will help you out. You can get a show conformation dog for the same price as a poorly bred dog at a pet store or a puppymill. These dogs will have been tested for all the breeds genetic disorders as well as have the appropriate temperament and conformation for the breed. You should get the best, they will cost you less in the long run even if the initial price is more than what you expect. You won't have to take them to the vet as often so It WILL balance out. Good luck I hope you stay away from this person. If you've already put down a deposit, forget about it and just eat it. Its better than paying full price for a dog your going to have problems with.
4. Depends on where you live, most breeders can't sell until 8 weeks.. but you can have them vacinated at as earky as 6 weeks. The breeder is just trying to keep more money for himself by not vacinating it for you.
5. 6 weeks he should get his first shot and worming at the vet.. 8 weeks is pretty late.. should have at least one vaccination before you take a puppy home.. 2 is better.
6. I worm the mom and pups at 2,4,6,and 8 weeks ( meds form vet) My pups get shots at 6,9,12 weeks old and rabies at 4 months. this is all done by vet recommondation and the 1 worming and 1st shot is my law where I live ( check your laws) if it's suppose to get teh shot at 8 weeks the breeder should have this done before the pup goes to a new home. sounds like if it isn't that this breeder is out for the money and not properly caring for the dogs. Also check your laws many states require that they get 1st shot and worming as well as a health gurantee for about 2 weeks. If he refuses this then I wouldn't get a puppy form him.
7. The breeder should deworm puppies at 2, 4, 6, & 8 weeks and first vaccinations should be done at 8 weeks old. They should be done by the breeder before the puppies are sold to their new homes...if not this is a big indication of an irresponsible breeder. The protocol for vaccinations is: 8 weeks first distemper/parvo 12 weeks second distemper/parvo 16 weeks 3rd and final distemper parvo a year after the third vaccination is given a booster is needed then no more for 3 years Lepto, lymes, parainfluenza and kennel cough (bordatella) aren't recommended for all dogs/puppies only those at high risk of exposure. coronavirus should not be given to any puppy/dog. at 20 week a rabies vaccination is given and a year later a booster...no more are needed for 3 years however some states require yearly by law. The above is the current protocol and recommendations by the AAHA/AVMA and all 27 vet schools ******vaccinations should NEVER be given under the age of 8 weeks.It interfers with natural immunity, suppresses the immune system, makes the puppy more suseptible to the very illness the vaccine is suppose to prevent and it can cause future problems with vaccinations*******