Small Dog Care Tips

Are you considering adopting a small dog? We love pups of all sizes! Our roster of patients includes all sorts of canines, from tiny Chihuahuas to larger pooches, such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and others. Of course, no matter how big (or small) Fido is, he’ll need proper care to stay happy and healthy. And while there are some guidelines that apply to all dogs, your pet’s size will definitely affect his care regimen, and in many different ways. A local Mineral, VA vet offers some tips on small dog care in this article.

Don’t Overfeed Your Small Dog

Did you know that giving your pet just ten extra calories a day can cause him to gain a pound a year? That’s a lot even for a big dog, but it’s really concerning for little ones. Even a few extra pounds can make quite a difference on a small pooch. Fido may look cute if he’s a bit pudgy, but the health risks associated with canine obesity are anything but amusing.

Here are some of the major ones:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Osteoarthritis
• Respiratory Disease
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Poor Immune Function
• Skin Condition
• Shorter Life Expectancy
• Bladder Stones
• Anesthetic Complications
• Urinary Tract Infection
• ACL Tears
• Exercise Intolerance
• Heat Intolerance
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Diseases
• Reduced Quality Of Life
• Low Stamina

That’s just the tip of the iceberg! Be diligent about portion sizes, and don’t go overboard with treats. Ask your Mineral, VA vet for specific advice on this.

Be Serious About Training

Small dogs often don’t get completely trained. A large part of this is simply that people assume that, because Fido is so little, he won’t pose a threat. That actually isn’t the case. Some small dogs are quite feisty, and have a bit of a Napoleonic complex. (We’re looking at you, Chihuahuas.) Plus, training is also important for your dog’s safety. You absolutely need to be able to call your pup back to you if he slips out the door. You should also be able to get your furry pal to stay put if needed. That’s important as well: you don’t want your pet running into traffic or other unsafe areas.

The main commands that all dogs should know are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. This is true for pups of all sizes. Leave It and Drop It are also useful. These can help you stop your furry friend from chewing or eating something unsafe, such as that chicken wing your niece drops at the family cookout. Ask your Byrd Mill, VA vet for tips on training. 

Keep Fido Off Furniture

Deciding whether or not to let Fido onto your furniture is for the most part just a matter of personal preference. However, there are more concerns with small dogs. These guys can easily get injured by jumping or falling off beds, chairs, and couches. Some, such as mini Dachshunds, are very susceptible to spinal injuries, because of their long backs. If you do want to let your pet get on your things, get ramps or stairs.

Don’t Over-Spoil Them

Many small dogs are quite cuddly. This isn’t a coincidence: several of the most popular toy breeds were specifically developed to be companion dogs. So, while big dogs had to earn their keep by helping with hunting, herding, tracking, or other chores, many smaller pups only had to charm their humans by being cute, cuddly, and affectionate. In other words, these guys are very, very good at getting us to pamper them. It’s normal to want to spoil Fido a bit. Just don’t go overboard!

Get The Right Products

Always look for things that were made just for little pooches. Your canine pal could seriously hurt himself with toys and treats made for larger dogs! Also, always use a harness, rather than a collar for Fido. It’s dangerous for little dogs to have leashes connected to their necks. Because they are so small, it doesn’t take much force at all to choke or jerk them around. You may think that you’re pulling gently, but you could be unintentionally hurting your furry friend.

Know The Advantages Of Small Vs. Large Dogs

We love all of our canine companions, and we know that they all have their own personalities and quirks. However, there are definitely pros and cons to weigh.

Benefits Of Getting A Small Dog

Little dogs do come with some pretty big perks. You won’t spend as much on food, and you won’t need a huge yard. Small dogs are very popular with apartment dwellers, as they are small enough to pass even strict weight limits imposed by many landlords and HOAs. They’re easier to take around: if Fido gets sick, you won’t have a hard time carrying him out to the car or into the clinic. Overall, small dogs also pose less of a risk, though they can of course still bite. Little breeds don’t need as much exercise, which could be a pro or a con, depending on how active you are. Finally, they live longer than large dogs, at least on average.

Disadvantages Of Getting A Small Dog

There are also a few cons to consider. Barking is one. Many of these smaller dogs tend to be rather vocal. If you have close neighbors, this could put you at odds. Fido will also have a smaller bladder than his larger buddies. That means he won’t be able to hold it as long, which in turns translates into more walks and/or messes. (On the bright side, those accidents will be easier to clean.) 

It may also surprise you to know that many of these little dogs are prone to anxiety. Something else to keep in mind? While a little dog may bark to let you know there’s someone at the door or something going on in the yard, they aren’t going to offer much by way of protection. 

Before adopting any dog, we recommend that you do plenty of research. Look into the various breeds.

Should I Carry My Small Dog?

You may want to teach Fido that you’ll pick him up if he puts his paw on your leg. That way, if he gets tired or scared, you’ll know when to help him out. Always be careful when holding or carrying your canine pal. You want to make sure that Fido’s weight is properly supported. When you put him down, make sure his paws are touching down before you let go. Even a drop of a few feet can be quite a lot for a little pooch! 

Conclusion: Small dogs can make wonderful animal companions. They’re not only very cute, they are also quite lovable and cuddly. There are also some great benefits to  having a smaller dog. For instance, they won’t need much space or exercise, and are easier to manage overall. However, they do have some distinct care needs. You’ll need to be very careful not to overfeed your pet, and you’ll need to handle and train him properly.

Make An Appointment At Our Mineral, VA Animal Clinic

Have you recently adopted a small dog? Congratulations! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for all of your canine buddy’s veterinary care needs. As your Mineral, VA pet hospital, we are here to help.