28/01/2021
Vaccinations for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs
Overview
Vaccinations help develop immunity to certain disease and infections, many which are serious or potentially fatal. And while no owner wants to leave their Shih Tzu unprotected, it is very common to have questions about vaccines. Are they safe? Which are actually needed? Does a Shih Tzu need to have yearly boosters?
Aside from this, having proof of vaccinations may be needed in an array of ways, including traveling, enrolling your Shih Tzu in training classes, using doggie day care, kenneling, attending dog shows, and more.
Which vaccines should a Shih Tzu have?
There are many vaccines, not all of which a Shih Tzu should have. To make this easier to understand, let’s look at the two categories of core and non-core vaccinations.
Core vaccinations
These are immunizations for severe and sometimes deadly diseases that have high infection rates and pose a serious threat to pets (and sometimes people). Veterinarians recommend these across the board for all puppies and dogs.
Puppies will receive 3 to 4 ‘rounds’ of puppy shots, which are a combination vaccine containing these (more ahead) and adults will receive boosters every 3 to 7 years (more ahead).
Core vaccines are those for:
Rabies. Because humans can catch rabies from dogs, and this disease is extremely serious, rabies vaccines are a legal requirement in many countries. The first rabies vaccine is given between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks, and then boosters are given as legally required, usually every 1 to 3 years.
Parvovirus. Also known as ‘parvo’, just this name is enough to scare many owners, and rightfully so. Parvo is a fast moving, easily transmitted disease that can live in the environment and inanimate objects for months. Left untreated, mortality rate is 90%.
Hepatitis, also known as adenovirus, is an acute liver infection that is transmitted by bodily fluids (saliva, urine, f***s, blood, and/or nasal discharge) of other dogs and also wildlife including coyotes, wolves, and fox.
Canine distemper (+ measles). Distemper is a highly contagious disease that is easily transmitted via body secretions of dogs and cats, but also wildlife including raccoons, fox, and skunks. Animals with distemper suffer quite terribly, with death often occurring after an attack of full-body of seizures.
This vaccine is a combo (distemper and measles together) because distemper stems from the virus that causes measles in humans; giving both is thought to offer the best protection for young pups.
allshihtzu-logo-1
Become a Free Member
The Book - paperback & ebook
Vaccinations for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs
Overview
Vaccinations help develop immunity to certain disease and infections, many which are serious or potentially fatal. And while no owner wants to leave their Shih Tzu unprotected, it is very common to have questions about vaccines. Are they safe? Which are actually needed? Does a Shih Tzu need to have yearly boosters?
This article will answer these questions and more, with many FAQ gathered from reader submissions. So, whether you have a Shih Tzu puppy or an older adult, let’s dive into the subject of vaccinations for Shih Tzu.
Do I have to, by law, have my Shih Tzu vaccinated?
In many areas, the only vaccine that is required by law is the rabies vaccine. However, skipping some of the other core vaccines means placing your Shih Tzu at risk; and in some cases, great risk. Which means that owners are morally obligated regarding some vaccines.
Aside from this, having proof of vaccinations may be needed in an array of ways, including traveling, enrolling your Shih Tzu in training classes, using doggie day care, kenneling, attending dog shows, and more.
Which vaccines should a Shih Tzu have?
There are many vaccines, not all of which a Shih Tzu should have. To make this easier to understand, let’s look at the two categories of core and non-core vaccinations.
Core vaccinations
These are immunizations for severe and sometimes deadly diseases that have high infection rates and pose a serious threat to pets (and sometimes people). Veterinarians recommend these across the board for all puppies and dogs.
Puppies will receive 3 to 4 ‘rounds’ of puppy shots, which are a combination vaccine containing these (more ahead) and adults will receive boosters every 3 to 7 years (more ahead).
Core vaccines are those for:
Rabies. Because humans can catch rabies from dogs, and this disease is extremely serious, rabies vaccines are a legal requirement in many countries. The first rabies vaccine is given between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks, and then boosters are given as legally required, usually every 1 to 3 years.
Parvovirus. Also known as ‘parvo’, just this name is enough to scare many owners, and rightfully so. Parvo is a fast moving, easily transmitted disease that can live in the environment and inanimate objects for months. Left untreated, mortality rate is 90%.
Hepatitis, also known as adenovirus, is an acute liver infection that is transmitted by bodily fluids (saliva, urine, f***s, blood, and/or nasal discharge) of other dogs and also wildlife including coyotes, wolves, and fox.
Canine distemper (+ measles). Distemper is a highly contagious disease that is easily transmitted via body secretions of dogs and cats, but also wildlife including raccoons, fox, and skunks. Animals with distemper suffer quite terribly, with death often occurring after an attack of full-body of seizures.
This vaccine is a combo (distemper and measles together) because distemper stems from the virus that causes measles in humans; giving both is thought to offer the best protection for young pups.
Cuteness break!
Very cute Shih Tzu dog
Tuppence, at 1 year old, photo courtesy of Maureen Schuyt (Australia)
Non-core vaccines
Non-core vaccines are labeled as so because the need for them depends on your particular dog’s risk level. Though they are optional, this does not mean that they are not helpful in preventing serious illness or that your Shih Tzu does not need one or more of them.
Let’s take a look at these, along with factors that affect the need for these:
Bordetella. The common name for this is kennel cough, a sometimes serious upper respiratory infection. Shih Tzu that are with other dogs in large groups (doggie daycare, shows, boarding, training classes, etc.) may need to receive this vaccine in order to be allowed into the facility.
Coronavirus. This is a contagious infection that primarily attacks the intestinal tract and is spread via contaminated f***l matter. Because this illness is considered relatively mild, most Shih Tzu do not need to have this vaccine.
Leptospirosis. This is a potential fatal infection that can affect the heart, liver and kidneys. It is spread via wildlife (racoons, opossums, fox, skunk, deer, etc.) via contaminated water or soil. This bacterium can pass through skin via any sort of small abrasion as well as through ingestion, which makes it easily transmitted.
Whether or not a Shih Tzu should receive a leptospirosis vaccine is almost entirely dependent on the dog’s exposure to areas of wildlife (i.e. the backyard abuts a forested area, a dog is taken for walks through fields or forested areas, etc.).
Even so, there are a few elements to keep in mind. The leptospirosis vaccine is thought to be linked to higher adverse reactions; though, some speculate that this is a matter of the vaccine being given alongside others and that risk of reaction is just as low as others if it is given separately.
Additionally, there are currently 7 identified strains of leptospirosis; but, depending on the manufacturer of the vaccine, only two to four of them are covered.
Shih Tzu that are walked in the neighborhood and are supervised when outside in the yard do not need to have this vaccine; however, if you suspect exposure to wildlife, this is something that you’ll want to discuss with your dog’s veterinarian.
Lyme disease. Lyme disease, spread through the blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick), is seen in many areas of the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. Though, it is estimated that just 10% of canines that are infected with Lyme disease show symptoms of it. For those that do (lameness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy), treatment with antibiotics is often successful. Though, untreated cases can lead to paralysis and nerve damage.
Primarily, deciding if a Shih Tzu should have the Lyme disease vaccine is dependent on the dog’s exposure to blacklegged ticks. This said, there are 4 types of ticks that dogs are most often exposed to (the Lone star tick, brown dog tick, and American dog tick, aside from the blacklegged tick) and 7 main diseases that can be transmitted from ticks to canines, and this vaccine does not protect against those.
Reaction rate to this vaccine is low (2%); however, taking precautions including all-natural prevention against all ticks (and the other diseases that a dog can catch) is recommended over having a dog receive this vaccine, unless you live in a very high-risk area.
Parainfluenza. Also known as canine influenza or the ‘dog flu’, this illness and the vaccine against it is relatively new. It is transmitted between dogs, often in close quarters such as boarding facilities, shelters, and doggie daycares.
This is a yearly vaccine and whether or not your Shih Tzu should receive it will depend on your dog’s risk level, often only given if there are plans for a dog to be in close contact with a group of other dogs. Do note that this illness is seen year-round, not just mainly in the winter.
To summarize:
All Shih Tzu should be vaccinated against rabies, parvovirus, hepatitis (adenovirus), and canine distemper. With puppies, there needs to be a series of vaccines (schedule ahead) and with adults, boosters are needed (ahead, next section).
Vaccines that a Shih Tzu should have, only if at risk or if required (doggie daycare, etc.), are those for Bordetella, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza.
A vaccine that most Shih Tzu do not need to have is coronavirus.
allshihtzu-logo-1
Become a Free Member
The Book - paperback & ebook
Vaccinations for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs
Overview
Vaccinations help develop immunity to certain disease and infections, many which are serious or potentially fatal. And while no owner wants to leave their Shih Tzu unprotected, it is very common to have questions about vaccines. Are they safe? Which are actually needed? Does a Shih Tzu need to have yearly boosters?
This article will answer these questions and more, with many FAQ gathered from reader submissions. So, whether you have a Shih Tzu puppy or an older adult, let’s dive into the subject of vaccinations for Shih Tzu.
Do I have to, by law, have my Shih Tzu vaccinated?
In many areas, the only vaccine that is required by law is the rabies vaccine. However, skipping some of the other core vaccines means placing your Shih Tzu at risk; and in some cases, great risk. Which means that owners are morally obligated regarding some vaccines.
Aside from this, having proof of vaccinations may be needed in an array of ways, including traveling, enrolling your Shih Tzu in training classes, using doggie day care, kenneling, attending dog shows, and more.
Which vaccines should a Shih Tzu have?
There are many vaccines, not all of which a Shih Tzu should have. To make this easier to understand, let’s look at the two categories of core and non-core vaccinations.
Core vaccinations
These are immunizations for severe and sometimes deadly diseases that have high infection rates and pose a serious threat to pets (and sometimes people). Veterinarians recommend these across the board for all puppies and dogs.
Puppies will receive 3 to 4 ‘rounds’ of puppy shots, which are a combination vaccine containing these (more ahead) and adults will receive boosters every 3 to 7 years (more ahead).
Core vaccines are those for:
Rabies. Because humans can catch rabies from dogs, and this disease is extremely serious, rabies vaccines are a legal requirement in many countries. The first rabies vaccine is given between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks, and then boosters are given as legally required, usually every 1 to 3 years.
Parvovirus. Also known as ‘parvo’, just this name is enough to scare many owners, and rightfully so. Parvo is a fast moving, easily transmitted disease that can live in the environment and inanimate objects for months. Left untreated, mortality rate is 90%.
Hepatitis, also known as adenovirus, is an acute liver infection that is transmitted by bodily fluids (saliva, urine, f***s, blood, and/or nasal discharge) of other dogs and also wildlife including coyotes, wolves, and fox.
Canine distemper (+ measles). Distemper is a highly contagious disease that is easily transmitted via body secretions of dogs and cats, but also wildlife including raccoons, fox, and skunks. Animals with distemper suffer quite terribly, with death often occurring after an attack of full-body of seizures.
This vaccine is a combo (distemper and measles together) because distemper stems from the virus that causes measles in humans; giving both is thought to offer the best protection for young pups.
Cuteness break!
Very cute Shih Tzu dog
Tuppence, at 1 year old, photo courtesy of Maureen Schuyt (Australia)
Non-core vaccines
Non-core vaccines are labeled as so because the need for them depends on your particular dog’s risk level. Though they are optional, this does not mean that they are not helpful in preventing serious illness or that your Shih Tzu does not need one or more of them.
Let’s take a look at these, along with factors that affect the need for these:
Bordetella. The common name for this is kennel cough, a sometimes serious upper respiratory infection. Shih Tzu that are with other dogs in large groups (doggie daycare, shows, boarding, training classes, etc.) may need to receive this vaccine in order to be allowed into the facility.
Coronavirus. This is a contagious infection that primarily attacks the intestinal tract and is spread via contaminated f***l matter. Because this illness is considered relatively mild, most Shih Tzu do not need to have this vaccine.
Leptospirosis. This is a potential fatal infection that can affect the heart, liver and kidneys. It is spread via wildlife (racoons, opossums, fox, skunk, deer, etc.) via contaminated water or soil. This bacterium can pass through skin via any sort of small abrasion as well as through ingestion, which makes it easily transmitted.
Whether or not a Shih Tzu should receive a leptospirosis vaccine is almost entirely dependent on the dog’s exposure to areas of wildlife (i.e. the backyard abuts a forested area, a dog is taken for walks through fields or forested areas, etc.).
Even so, there are a few elements to keep in mind. The leptospirosis vaccine is thought to be linked to higher adverse reactions; though, some speculate that this is a matter of the vaccine being given alongside others and that risk of reaction is just as low as others if it is given separately.
Additionally, there are currently 7 identified strains of leptospirosis; but, depending on the manufacturer of the vaccine, only two to four of them are covered.
Shih Tzu that are walked in the neighborhood and are supervised when outside in the yard do not need to have this vaccine; however, if you suspect exposure to wildlife, this is something that you’ll want to discuss with your dog’s veterinarian.
Lyme disease. Lyme disease, spread through the blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick), is seen in many areas of the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. Though, it is estimated that just 10% of canines that are infected with Lyme disease show symptoms of it. For those that do (lameness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy), treatment with antibiotics is often successful. Though, untreated cases can lead to paralysis and nerve damage.
Primarily, deciding if a Shih Tzu should have the Lyme disease vaccine is dependent on the dog’s exposure to blacklegged ticks. This said, there are 4 types of ticks that dogs are most often exposed to (the Lone star tick, brown dog tick, and American dog tick, aside from the blacklegged tick) and 7 main diseases that can be transmitted from ticks to canines, and this vaccine does not protect against those.
Reaction rate to this vaccine is low (2%); however, taking precautions including all-natural prevention against all ticks (and the other diseases that a dog can catch) is recommended over having a dog receive this vaccine, unless you live in a very high-risk area.
Parainfluenza. Also known as canine influenza or the ‘dog flu’, this illness and the vaccine against it is relatively new. It is transmitted between dogs, often in close quarters such as boarding facilities, shelters, and doggie daycares.
This is a yearly vaccine and whether or not your Shih Tzu should receive it will depend on your dog’s risk level, often only given if there are plans for a dog to be in close contact with a group of other dogs. Do note that this illness is seen year-round, not just mainly in the winter.
To summarize:
All Shih Tzu should be vaccinated against rabies, parvovirus, hepatitis (adenovirus), and canine distemper. With puppies, there needs to be a series of vaccines (schedule ahead) and with adults, boosters are needed (ahead, next section).
Vaccines that a Shih Tzu should have, only if at risk or if required (doggie daycare, etc.), are those for Bordetella, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza.
A vaccine that most Shih Tzu do not need to have is coronavirus.
Cuteness break!
Shih Tzu white and grey
Molly, at 18 months old, photo courtesy of Sue Smith
What is the Vaccination Schedule for Shih Tzu Puppies?
Puppies are born with antibodies transmitted from the dam. Those antibodies can prevent the vaccines from working. However, at some point between the age of 6 and 16 weeks old, the antibodies will be low enough that the vaccines will take hold.
For this reason, puppy shots consist of a series of vaccines will be given and these are done so in a combo vaccine (so that just one shot is given, as opposed to multiple ones). This typically follows 1 of 2 schedules (consisting of 3 or 4 ‘rounds’):
Possible Schedule #1: 3 rounds done at 6 to 8 weeks old, 9 to 12 weeks old, and 14 to 16 weeks old, consisting of a DHPP combo core vaccine for distemper, adenovirus-2 (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Rabies is given anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks old.
Non-core vaccines are given at the same time as cores, if applicable.
Possible Schedule #2: 4 rounds done at 6 to 7 weeks old, 9 weeks old, 12 weeks old, and 16 weeks old, consisting of a DHPP combo core vaccine for distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Rabies is given anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks old.
Non-core vaccines are given at the same time as cores, if applicable.
allshihtzu-logo-1
Become a Free Member
The Book - paperback & ebook
Vaccinations for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs
Overview
Vaccinations help develop immunity to certain disease and infections, many which are serious or potentially fatal. And while no owner wants to leave their Shih Tzu unprotected, it is very common to have questions about vaccines. Are they safe? Which are actually needed? Does a Shih Tzu need to have yearly boosters?
This article will answer these questions and more, with many FAQ gathered from reader submissions. So, whether you have a Shih Tzu puppy or an older adult, let’s dive into the subject of vaccinations for Shih Tzu.
Do I have to, by law, have my Shih Tzu vaccinated?
In many areas, the only vaccine that is required by law is the rabies vaccine. However, skipping some of the other core vaccines means placing your Shih Tzu at risk; and in some cases, great risk. Which means that owners are morally obligated regarding some vaccines.
Aside from this, having proof of vaccinations may be needed in an array of ways, including traveling, enrolling your Shih Tzu in training classes, using doggie day care, kenneling, attending dog shows, and more.
Which vaccines should a Shih Tzu have?
There are many vaccines, not all of which a Shih Tzu should have. To make this easier to understand, let’s look at the two categories of core and non-core vaccinations.
Core vaccinations
These are immunizations for severe and sometimes deadly diseases that have high infection rates and pose a serious threat to pets (and sometimes people). Veterinarians recommend these across the board for all puppies and dogs.
Puppies will receive 3 to 4 ‘rounds’ of puppy shots, which are a combination vaccine containing these (more ahead) and adults will receive boosters every 3 to 7 years (more ahead).
Core vaccines are those for:
Rabies. Because humans can catch rabies from dogs, and this disease is extremely serious, rabies vaccines are a legal requirement in many countries. The first rabies vaccine is given between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks, and then boosters are given as legally required, usually every 1 to 3 years.
Parvovirus. Also known as ‘parvo’, just this name is enough to scare many owners, and rightfully so. Parvo is a fast moving, easily transmitted disease that can live in the environment and inanimate objects for months. Left untreated, mortality rate is 90%.
Hepatitis, also known as adenovirus, is an acute liver infection that is transmitted by bodily fluids (saliva, urine, f***s, blood, and/or nasal discharge) of other dogs and also wildlife including coyotes, wolves, and fox.
Canine distemper (+ measles). Distemper is a highly contagious disease that is easily transmitted via body secretions of dogs and cats, but also wildlife including raccoons, fox, and skunks. Animals with distemper suffer quite terribly, with death often occurring after an attack of full-body of seizures.
This vaccine is a combo (distemper and measles together) because distemper stems from the virus that causes measles in humans; giving both is thought to offer the best protection for young pups.
Cuteness break!
Very cute Shih Tzu dog
Tuppence, at 1 year old, photo courtesy of Maureen Schuyt (Australia)
Non-core vaccines
Non-core vaccines are labeled as so because the need for them depends on your particular dog’s risk level. Though they are optional, this does not mean that they are not helpful in preventing serious illness or that your Shih Tzu does not need one or more of them.
Let’s take a look at these, along with factors that affect the need for these:
Bordetella. The common name for this is kennel cough, a sometimes serious upper respiratory infection. Shih Tzu that are with other dogs in large groups (doggie daycare, shows, boarding, training classes, etc.) may need to receive this vaccine in order to be allowed into the facility.
Coronavirus. This is a contagious infection that primarily attacks the intestinal tract and is spread via contaminated f***l matter. Because this illness is considered relatively mild, most Shih Tzu do not need to have this vaccine.
Leptospirosis. This is a potential fatal infection that can affect the heart, liver and kidneys. It is spread via wildlife (racoons, opossums, fox, skunk, deer, etc.) via contaminated water or soil. This bacterium can pass through skin via any sort of small abrasion as well as through ingestion, which makes it easily transmitted.
Whether or not a Shih Tzu should receive a leptospirosis vaccine is almost entirely dependent on the dog’s exposure to areas of wildlife (i.e. the backyard abuts a forested area, a dog is taken for walks through fields or forested areas, etc.).
Even so, there are a few elements to keep in mind. The leptospirosis vaccine is thought to be linked to higher adverse reactions; though, some speculate that this is a matter of the vaccine being given alongside others and that risk of reaction is just as low as others if it is given separately.
Additionally, there are currently 7 identified strains of leptospirosis; but, depending on the manufacturer of the vaccine, only two to four of them are covered.
Shih Tzu that are walked in the neighborhood and are supervised when outside in the yard do not need to have this vaccine; however, if you suspect exposure to wildlife, this is something that you’ll want to discuss with your dog’s veterinarian.
Lyme disease. Lyme disease, spread through the blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick), is seen in many areas of the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. Though, it is estimated that just 10% of canines that are infected with Lyme disease show symptoms of it. For those that do (lameness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy), treatment with antibiotics is often successful. Though, untreated cases can lead to paralysis and nerve damage.
Primarily, deciding if a Shih Tzu should have the Lyme disease vaccine is dependent on the dog’s exposure to blacklegged ticks. This said, there are 4 types of ticks that dogs are most often exposed to (the Lone star tick, brown dog tick, and American dog tick, aside from the blacklegged tick) and 7 main diseases that can be transmitted from ticks to canines, and this vaccine does not protect against those.
Reaction rate to this vaccine is low (2%); however, taking precautions including all-natural prevention against all ticks (and the other diseases that a dog can catch) is recommended over having a dog receive this vaccine, unless you live in a very high-risk area.
Parainfluenza. Also known as canine influenza or the ‘dog flu’, this illness and the vaccine against it is relatively new. It is transmitted between dogs, often in close quarters such as boarding facilities, shelters, and doggie daycares.
This is a yearly vaccine and whether or not your Shih Tzu should receive it will depend on your dog’s risk level, often only given if there are plans for a dog to be in close contact with a group of other dogs. Do note that this illness is seen year-round, not just mainly in the winter.
To summarize:
All Shih Tzu should be vaccinated against rabies, parvovirus, hepatitis (adenovirus), and canine distemper. With puppies, there needs to be a series of vaccines (schedule ahead) and with adults, boosters are needed (ahead, next section).
Vaccines that a Shih Tzu should have, only if at risk or if required (doggie daycare, etc.), are those for Bordetella, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza.
A vaccine that most Shih Tzu do not need to have is coronavirus.
Cuteness break!
Shih Tzu white and grey
Molly, at 18 months old, photo courtesy of Sue Smith
What is the Vaccination Schedule for Shih Tzu Puppies?
Puppies are born with antibodies transmitted from the dam. Those antibodies can prevent the vaccines from working. However, at some point between the age of 6 and 16 weeks old, the antibodies will be low enough that the vaccines will take hold.
For this reason, puppy shots consist of a series of vaccines will be given and these are done so in a combo vaccine (so that just one shot is given, as opposed to multiple ones). This typically follows 1 of 2 schedules (consisting of 3 or 4 ‘rounds’):
Possible Schedule #1: 3 rounds done at 6 to 8 weeks old, 9 to 12 weeks old, and 14 to 16 weeks old, consisting of a DHPP combo core vaccine for distemper, adenovirus-2 (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Rabies is given anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks old.
Non-core vaccines are given at the same time as cores, if applicable.
Possible Schedule #2: 4 rounds done at 6 to 7 weeks old, 9 weeks old, 12 weeks old, and 16 weeks old, consisting of a DHPP combo core vaccine for distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Rabies is given anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks old.
Non-core vaccines are given at the same time as cores, if applicable.
Does an Adult Shih Tzu Need Yearly Vaccines?
For core vaccines (aside from rabies), the answer is no. For non-core, it will depend on the circumstances. Let’s look at the details:
Rabies – Though immunity against rabies can last up to 3 years, the law may require a yearly vaccine, depending on where you live. Your veterinarian can certainly let you know your local laws or you can check with your town hall.
Distemper, parvo, and Hepatitis (adenovirus) –These vaccines are recommended every 3 years, minimum. Though, immunity against distemper may last up to 5 years and immunity against hepatitis (adenovirus) may last up to 7 years.
Note that in regard to these core vaccines listed above, if the veterinarian recommends a booster shot every 3 years, you may opt to request a titer test first. This tests the number of antibodies in the bloodstream. If the number is high enough (a score of 1:5 or greater), a vaccine is not necessary.
Bordetella – For those deemed at risk (with large groups of dogs in close quarters) this is given every 6 months.
Leptospirosis –For those deemed at risk (exposure to areas of wildlife) this is given yearly; but, in some cases with an extreme risk level, it may be given every 6 months.
Lyme disease - For those deemed at risk (exposure to areas that may contain blacklegged ticks) this is given yearly.
http://www.allshihtzu.com/shih-tzu-vaccinations
Core and non-core vaccination schedule for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs. Which are needed and which are not. Risks and side effects. Aftercare and reader questions.
