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Is the Lepto vaccine safe for my tiny chihuahua? What's the dose?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 3.75 lbs
1. Nachos contract says not to give him vaccinations for Panacur and Leptospirosis as it could be dangerous for him - he’s a ‘micro’ chihuahua but his vaccines (DHPPL) I believe has both Parvo and Lepto? Should we give him those vaccinations? And if yes, what amounts do they recommend for him now that he’s 1 year and 2 months old and 3.75 lb.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 23rd, 2018
Panacur is a medication, it is a dewormer. I have not found it to be dangerous for any breed or size dog. Leptospirosis is a bacteria excreted in wild animal urine. A dog or human can get this bacterial infection from ingesting contaminated water or the bacteria can penetrate wounds. It causes kidney and liver failure. Dogs get very sick with this infection and can die. If Nacho will hike, go swimming, camping, you live in a city and he may drink from puddles (rat urine) or you have water on your property you should vaccinate him. Again, I have not found that a particular breed is more sensitive that another to the vaccine. Since Nacho is small I would not give him the Leptospirosis vaccine with the DHPP. I would separate it out and give it by itself. I personally do not give tony dogs too many vaccines at once. He needs 2 vaccines for leptospirosis, 3 weeks apart then yearly. Every dog, regardless of size, gets the same volume. The DHPPL does have Leptospirosis in it. You need to weigh the pros and cons of giving that vaccine versus his risk of contracting the bacterial infection. If his risk of getting it is minimal then do not vaccinate.
I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
The answer to which vaccinations Nacho needs depends on his individual risk factors. I am attaching a link to the American Animal Hospital Association's vaccine guideline below.
https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines/practice_vaccination.aspx
They recommend that all dogs receive DAPP (which includes Parvo) and Rabies vaccinations. Those vaccines are considered Core vaccinations. Any other vaccinations are considered Non-Core and are only recommended for dogs that are at risk of contracting those diseases. Lepto is available as a separate vaccination and is recommend only if Nacho is at risk for contracting the disease. The above website also includes a Lifestyle-Based Vaccine Calculator to help you determine which diseases Nacho may be at risk for, but be sure to discuss that with your veterinarian to make the best decision.
The amount of vaccine that is given to a dog is the entire recommended amount regardless of the size of the dog because the amount is the minimum amount required for the immune system to respond normally to the vaccine. If you give less than the recommended amount (which is normally 1 mL), the vaccine will not be protective.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your questions. Thanks for using PetCoach.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful