Do you have a little dog? Our canine pals come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. While the basics of good doggy care—good food, proper training, veterinary care, exercise, and grooming—are the same for all pooches, smaller breeds do have some specific needs. A Cherry Hill, NJ vet discusses caring for a small dog in this article.
Food
Make sure Fido is getting proper nutrition. You’ll want to look for premium pet foods that are specifically made for smaller breeds. Ask your vet for advice.
Begging
Many smaller breeds were developed as companion animals, and absolutely love being cuddled and pampered. Don’t spoil your dog by overindulging him with fatty treats. It’s quite easy for these little pups to become obese, which would be very bad for Fido’s health!
Training
Don’t make the mistake of thinking petiquette isn’t important with small dogs. Little breeds can get quite bossy, and can be just as aggressive as larger dogs. Make sure Fido knows basic obedience commands. The five most important ones are
Sit, Stay, Come, Heel,
and
Lay Down
.
Safe Haven
You may want to teach the little guy that you will pick him up if he puts a paw on your leg. This will help your furry buddy feel safer in certain situations, such as when there are bigger dogs around.
Beds
Make sure your four-legged friend has a comfy bed to snuggle up in. Little dogs often feel safest in beds with raised sides.
Products
When buying toys and chews for your pup, make sure to stick with products that were made specifically for small dogs. Fido could hurt himself on things made for bigger pooches!
Exercise
Just like any other dog, your pup will need proper activity to stay healthy. However, small breeds can get quite a workout just running around the house on those little legs. Be careful not to overexert your furry pal!
Gear/Clothes
You may want to get a harness instead of a leash for your tiny buddy. It’s very easy to accidentally jerk on a small dog’s collar, which can be painful and even dangerous for your pet. If you buy clothes for your canine companion, make sure they fit well, and are not tight, hot, itchy, or constricting.
Does your dog need an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Contact us, your Cherry Hill, NJ pet hospital!
