Are you planning on owning small breed dogs? There are a lot of benefits to small dogs, including their portability, they don’t take too much space, and more places allow tiny dogs. The amount of love, happiness, and loyalty little dogs give is equal to that of a big dog. Small dogs are just a lot more fun-loving. However, it does not mean small dogs are easier or better than their larger counterparts. Sit back, relax, and find out what you should know before completing your tiny dog adoption application. You might be in for a lot of love and energy from your future tiny dog!
Here is a list of things you should know before welcoming that sweet little dog to your family. Keep in mind that these small dogs have their own little (and big) tricks.
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Big Healthy Diet for Small Dog Breeds
Dogs have several types of diets, and there are things to consider when choosing one. The amount of food you give your dog will depend on its size, breed, and age. The time spent on daily exercise will also be vital information. Small dog breeds have a high metabolism. This means your small dog burns their meal faster than bigger dog breeds.
With those in mind, here is a guide you can use when choosing a diet for your small dog breeds:
Puppies: Development
- Boost immunity and support long life
- Calcium for teeth, bones, and muscles
- High levels of DHA for smarter pets
- Complete nutritional absorption
Adult Dogs (1-6): Total Nutrition
- Enhance immunity and support long life
- Healthy vitality – skin and silky coat varieties, eyes and ears
- Healthy muscles and bones
- Complete nutritional absorption
Mature Dogs (7+) Protective Nutrition
- Internal health maintenance – heart, kidney, and brain
- Enhance immunity and support long life
- Healthy vitality – skin and silky coat, eyes and ears
- Maintain Healthy muscles and bones
Senior Dogs (11+) Balanced Nutrition for Small Dogs
- Fish oil and omega fatty acids for vitality and silky fur
- Improve mobility
- High levels of calcium and vitamin C for healthy teeth and gums
- Natural ingredients
It is important to buy small breed dog foods to give them proper nutrition. Giving them the right dog food will help your small dog breeds live happy, healthy lives. Consult your vet if you are unsure what to give your small dog.
Here are some of the food you can give your little dogs:
Wet Food
Your small dog may often choose wet food over dry food. However, it can be expensive because the amount of wet food is lower than required. It also goes bad quicker because it’s moist, so make sure your little dogs finish their food right away.
Dry Food
A portion of dry food is cheaper, and your small dog usually needs to eat less. It is easily stored and will last long even after opening the packet. Dry food also helps prevent plaque build-up on your small dog’s teeth.
You can try feeding your little dogs half of each, but make sure to look at the packets and divide their nutrients. They will be able to get half the nutrients from the wet and another half from the dry. Using dry food can be used to keep your dog’s brain active when served in puzzle feeders.
Raw Feeding
Raw feeding gives small dog breeds raw ingredients rather than traditional food. Some companies create complete raw diets for dogs and are now stocked in pet stores. Raw food is freeze-dried or frozen, but it should be completely thawed before feeding.
When deciding on switching to raw feeding, consult your vets first. It can be tricky to create a homemade diet with the correct balance of nutrients. Additionally, raw diets are better created with pet nutrition specialists to avoid possible diseases such as salmonella.
Vegetarian Diet
For vegetarian or vegan owners it is understandable to worry about what to feed their tiny dogs. Dogs can eat meat and plant-based foods. This means they can be fed commercial vegetarian and vegan food. Other dog foods are hypoallergenic and contain no animal products.
Your Little Dog Needs Exercise
Dogs with a tiny stature are good for apartment life, but they can be high-energy dogs. One way to calm them down is by giving them the exercise they need. Like Jack Russell Terriers or Boston Terriers, with the right amount of exercise they can be less mischievous. Other dogs tend to be very calm, so you best keep an eye on your pets and make they are getting enough movement.
There are many simple exercises your smallest dogs can do. Your small dogs can walk in the garden or at the park, play fetch, or tug-of-war. Some dogs got their exercise schedules covered by engaging in the zoomies. This is when a dog has excess energy or when they are stressed from grooming.
Training Your Dog is Beneficial
Pets are great companions, but it can be very stressful when they are being disobedient. It is your responsibility to train your dog for their safety, yours, and others. Training your dog may also help in hiding their stubborn streak.
Dog Training Benefits
Regularly working and spending time with your dog will help you better understand their needs. Both pets and owners will be avoiding stress because your dog would also develop understanding. Additionally, training can be a great way for you and your dog to exercise. A dog is not just a great companion, but it can be an amazing workout buddy too.
It Keeps Your Pets Safe
If you can control your pets with simple voice commands, you can prevent them from taking off and getting into an accident. Being trained will also keep them from harming other pets and people that get close. Moreover, they will have a positive interaction when at a social event.
Because You Can
It may be recommended to start training your dog at a young age, but an older dog is just as easily trained as puppies. A dog that behaves well is less stressed and interacts safely with your family and others. Well-behaved dogs can also be easily be brought anywhere you go.
Small Dog Breeds are Size Delusional
Some pets often act bigger than are. Despite their tiny stature, they have a big personality hidden in their small bodies. Small dog breeds are often fearful, so they act aggressively when they feel threatened. Their aggression comes from their perception of themselves as being bigger than they are.
To change this behavior, owners have to change how they interact with their pets as well. Here are some things you can do to fix this:
- Increase consistent interaction and set boundaries
- Regular play sessions in an appropriate manner
- Slowly introduce them to larger, friendly dog breeds and other pets
- Do some consistent training with your dog
Consider Puppy-Proofing
Once your small dog arrives, you are going to want to keep everything safe. Make sure toxic foods and medications are out of your dog’s reach. Put away wires and curtain cords to avoid any accident. Train your dog not to jump on furniture to prevent unwanted destruction. If you have a garden, try to make sure that there are no toxic plants that could harm your dog and other pets. Keep the trash bin closed and away from your dog.
Designating a puppy area will grant you easy cleanup because they will be doing their business in one area. Trim your lawn to avoid ticks and fleas from latching onto your dogs. Supervise your dog and make sure the weather is not too hot before letting your dogs outside.
Health Hazards
Tracheal Injury
A fragile neck structure is often a danger to smaller dogs. This can make them vulnerable to tracheal injury, where airflow is disrupted. Often acquired from dog fights or car accidents. As prevention, it would help to wear harnesses instead of collars when going outdoors. Additionally, other dogs with flat snouts can experience difficulty in breathing. That being said, make sure to watch your dogs to avoid heatstroke.
Dental Issues
Small dog breeds are susceptible to dental issues because they tend to have crowding teeth. Signs are bad breath, tartar build-up, and reddened gums. If prolonged, your dog may experience pain and have difficulty eating. Avoid dental issues by keeping your pet’s teeth clean. You can brush your pet’s teeth, give them dental chews, or let them gnaw on their chew toys.
Obesity
All dogs have an ideal weight and consulting your vet will help you keep them from lean. Signs of obesity are not being able to feel their ribs and the loss of your pet’s waist. It will be harder for them to move around and will easily get tired. This may lead to other diseases like diabetes and arthritis.
Be mindful of the amount of food you give your dog and adjust their diet accordingly when giving treats. Simple exercises like playing fetch will be helpful. Do more exercises if needed.
Puppy Budget
When deciding on adopting your first dog, you have to know that dogs are more than just their affectionate pups with adorable faces. Each tiny dog is a small package with a big personality and needs. They will need your constant attention and entertainment.
Learn about the expenses before considering adopting a dog.
Food
The most important thing in owning a dog is their food. Food costs depend on your dog’s age and size, and the brand you want to buy. Premium dog foods have higher nutritional value, but there are many ways to make sure your dog is well-fed and healthy.
Toys
Puppies tend to be curious, resulting in possibly gnawing at everything they see. Buying them chew toys such as rubber, rope, stuffed toys, and tennis balls will keep their attention away from your expensive furnishing.
Vet Care
It benefits you and your dog to take yearly vet visits. That way, your dog will be thoroughly examined and will be fully vaccinated. Full vaccination is important and will keep your dog safe from diseases that might just cost more than your yearly checkups.
Grooming
Depending on the size and length of your dog’s coat, prices may vary. Dogs need regular baths, nail trims, and dental care. Grooming can also help you keep your dog clean, healthy, and safe from unwanted diseases.
Boarding
When you live alone or will be leaving with your family, in a place that does not allow pets, the dog hotel will care for your dog. In safe hands, your dog will be fed, walked, and will not be alone. Like in grooming, some hotels will charge depending on your dog’s size, and some locations are more expensive than others.
Regardless of the initial expenses, your dog will no doubt constantly give you unconditional love all year.