Randi, I have to put my 2cents into this one. It is a federal and a state law, in all states, that any dog in a shelter has to be given a rabies shot before it is released for adoption. A person cannot assume that a dog from a shelter was previously inoculated against all virus's that are out there. If those dogs were so well taken care of then Peaches wouldn't be scared out of her wits and a caring person does not abandon there dogs to starve and dehydrate to death. The shelter should have given you rabies tags for their collars and a receipt from a licensed Vet showing whether it is a 1 year or a 3 year rabies shot.
You mentioned that you have wildlife were you live, that being said is all the more reason why they need to have the preliminary shots, just as all your other dogs should have them. I am not a big believer in taking dogs for yearly shots, but I certainly believe in the initial rabies shot which can keep a dog rabies free for 5 years. I am also a big believer in a parvo and distemper shot since wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, field mice and any rodent type of animal can pass that onto your property. Plus add the fact that they were in a shelter with all sought's of air borne virus's, such as Kennel Cough, and Doggie Flu, both of which, your dogs will not show symptoms of for at least 7 -12 days after exposure to them. You cannot see all types of worms in there stool either, which is why a stool test must be done. One of the most common unseen worms in shelters is whip worm and only a microscope can see them. When you refer to using the word Vet, are you referring to the Vet tec at the shelter, or did you take them both to a private Vet??? This group has a lot of knowledgeable people in it, and many of us have a lot of experience with shelter and rescue dogs, as well as getting sick dogs from private breeders, so we only want to help our fellow chis and give only the best information that is available to help them and prevent further issues with them. Chis are also susceptible to several hereditary problems, and only a blood test will tell you that. They could have heart murmurs or kidney or liver issues and if so getting them on meds now will prevent those issues from getting worse and let them live a longer pain free life. You cannot see those kind of problems in a dogs actions until it is too late and then they display being really sick. When you got your other dogs didn't you take them to a private Vet for an exam and get them their shots and a blood test, and stool test done?? Peggy -------Original Message------- From: Randi Grennan Date: 2/25/2012 5:21:45 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] RANDI-PEACHES >Does it say what shots they got so you can follow up with >your The pound does nothing for the animals that come in. The vet said M&M was worm free I think these dogs were taken care of. I let M&M out a lot and I usually hold her while I'm on the computer. And they'll be out of the pen Tuesday.
