Mini Chihuahua's, also known as teacup Chihuahua's, are not a recognized standard breed. However, the truth behind these charming little creatures is quite disturbing. Unethical breeders sometimes induce early labor in the mother, depleting her supply of calcium, resulting in death, or by nutritionally starving both mother and offspring. Given, these factors, a mini Chihuahua's health is susceptible to conditions like kennel cough.
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Avoid Other Dogs
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Prevention is the first step. If your mini Chihuahua's are puppies, avoid exposing them to places where there are large groups of dogs such as the park and kennels. However, kennel cough does not always come exclusively from a kennel. Since it is an airborne virus, it is highly contagious to dogs. Most dogs become infected when they are crammed into a space with other dogs with little or no air ventilation, such as a boarding facility, obedience class, or dog-grooming parlor. Depending on your mini Chihuahua's age, it is always a good idea to ensure that its vaccination shots are always kept up to date
Bordetella Vaccination
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Although there are many different organisms, viruses and bacteria that cause kennel cough, Bordetella Bronchiseptia, the airborne virus, is the most common effecting the respiratory system of your mini Chihuahua. However, this virus most likely will be accompanied with the virus, Paraininfluenza, and Mycoplasma, an organism that's between a virus and bacteria. That's why early vaccination is important. However, the Bordetella vaccination will not prevent your dog from getting kennel cough because there are so many strains of the virus. Instead, it could lessen the effects. After exposure, it usually takes a period of 8 to 10 days before you will notice the symptoms of wheezing, continuous hacking, as if something was caught in your dog's trachea, along with watery eyes and running nose. You should immediately wash all bedding and keep your mini Chihuahua warm and isolated, while contacting your local veterinarian.
Cough Suppressant and Antibiotics
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Usually, the veterinarian will test the larynx of your pet. If mucus is expelled when the dog coughs, the vet may also test for distemper and pneumonia. Depending on the color of the mucus, from white to green, this will determine the seriousness of the condition. Also, whether your mini Chihuahua isn't able to keep food down, will dictate if the vet will administer antibiotics along with a cough suppressant. Antibiotics are usually given to address any secondary viruses or bacteria present. There is a new antibiotic, azithromycin being used to treat kennel cough. If the kennel cough is mild to moderate, normally it will go away within 7 to 10 days on its own. As a home treatment for your mini Chihuahua, especially if it's a puppy, you might try Pediatric Robitussin four times a day. Check to make sure the medication doesn't contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as these can cause liver damage. When in doubt, check with your local veterinarian.
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