4 Useful Pet Care Tips for People Who’ve Never Owned a Small Dog

If you’re thinking about getting a small dog, you should be aware of a few important things that will help you keep your little animal companion safe and happy. Not all dogs have the same needs and temperaments, and this is especially true among smaller breeds. These four useful pet care tips will help you care for your small dog the right way.

4 Useful Pet Care Tips for People Who’ve Never Owned a Small Dog

Beware of Small Dog Syndrome

This problem often occurs among small dogs whose owners allow them to get away with poor behavior.

If you coddle your small dog too much and let yapping, snapping, and other poor behaviors go unchecked, he or she could start showing a dominant and aggressive attitude toward other people and dogs.

PetCareRX points out that you shouldn’t allow a smaller dog to get away with things that you wouldn’t tolerate from a larger dog, and disciplining your tiny pooch early on can prevent behavior problems later on.

Be Patient with Socialization

Your small dog might be intimidated by people and other larger dogs due to their size difference.

The best thing to do is not pick up your dog and force interactions with others if he or she seems frightened or unfriendly.

Your dog should be given the space to start socializing at a more natural pace.

Monitor Your Dog’s Health Constantly

Smaller breeds are particularly prone to health problems such as pancreatitis, intervertebral disk disease, and hypoglycemia, so it’s especially important for you to stay on top of your dog’s health.

You should take your dog to the vet to receive all necessary shots and standard checkups on a regular basis.

Some companies, like Keebovet, know that you can also purchase portable vet ultrasound machines for dogs and use it to look for any hidden health problems.

Run with Caution

If you plan to take your small dog out with you on runs, make sure that your particular breed is up for the challenge.

It’s important to remember that a small dog will need to take more steps to match yours.

You should start off by running slow to see how well your dog follows your lead.

It’s also good to stop running before your dog absolutely has to in order to avoid complete exhaustion.

Certain breeds, such as pugs and miniature bulldogs, will have greater difficulty breathing well during running because of their shortened snouts.

Owning a small dog comes with a unique set of challenges, but you can make things easier on yourself and your dog with the proper care tips.

Caring for your small dog the right way can help you avoid certain problems and allow you to foster a healthier relationship.