Bringing a small dog into your life will bring you joy and a new perspective. The typical small-breed dog is just under 18 inches tall that weighs less than twenty pounds. If neglected, they can be a handful. Small dogs comprise a variety of Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, and Yorkshire Terriers.
Although small dogs might appear secure, they require the same care and attention as large dogs. Tiny dogs often have prominent personalities and behaviors that could outdo giant dogs, so you shouldn’t undervalue them. Keep in mind that they are living creatures and not an element of the property. To be successful as healthy home pets, they require a lot of care, attention, and training.
How can I care for my small dogs?
When we bring pets into our lives, we do it with the complete understanding that we will be responsible for many elements of their care and well-being. However, you could have noticed by yourself that not all pets require the same taking care of them. We’ll be discussing the unique requirements for toy and miniature breeds of dogs.
1. Food
Compared to larger breeds, a little dog’s metabolism is more rapid. This is due to the greater energy needed to maintain body temperature. This is why it must increase the frequency of its meals and the number of calories consumed.
Small-breed dog diets available on the market for pet food take into consideration their nutritional needs and mouth size. Therefore, the smaller kibble makes it easier for them to consume and is suitable for their teeth. Your vet is the right person to talk to if you want to know how to feed your dog a balanced diet. You can click here for more info about your pet’s overall wellness.
2. Temperature
It’s common knowledge that a dog’s fur can aid in its comfort in cold and hot climates. But small breed dogs tend to heat up quickly when their fur doesn’t have a thick layer. This is due to their small size, and the fat layer is typically smaller. The risk of hypothermia is high among animals weighing less than two kilograms.
In this regard, you must dress your dog suitably to withstand the cold temperatures before walking out onto the streets. While keeping him warm in the winter is essential, that’s not all you should do. It is important to remember that he could appear colder than what the temperature indicates due to elements like wind, rain, and humidity. You can bring your pet to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory to check if your pet’s vitals are all normal.
3. Nails
Nail trimming is a common aspect of the care for any pet, but this is something you need to focus on more. Smaller pets need trimming more often than larger dogs because they are less likely to wear down from regular usage. Its light body also hinders their removal.
Your dog’s nails need to be cut frequently to keep their length from getting excessively long and restricting his mobility. Seek advice from Lexington vets if you’re unsure how to cut them correctly or are worried about accidentally damaging your pet.
4. Teeth
Extreme tooth decay can become a typical issue for some breeds of dogs. Most cases are seen in older dogs (about three years old) of all sizes. Some indicators of this condition include bad breath, bleeding gums, and a reluctance to undergo a dental exam due to the pain or discomfort that he experiences.
Brushing your dog’s mouth regularly is a crucial tool for maintaining good oral health. Again, ask a professional how to go about it and what products to use. Also, please take it to the vet for a cleaning and checkup.
5. Grooming
Do not look at a dog’s appearance solely on its size; even small dogs have the potential to demand significant and frequent maintenance. Maintaining a dog’s health at a high level is essential. Certain breeds of dogs, such as Pomeranians, require their fur to be groomed and maintained frequently. All dogs should be washed regularly; eventually, even the tiniest pups will need a scrub down.
