Tips On Caring For Small Dogs

You might think that all dog care is the same, however when it comes to taking care of small dogs there are some things you want to consider. Below are some of the daily care needs for dogs and how you should approach providing them for your small pup.

Feeding Your Small Dog

Your small dog doesn't have a large mouth so you need to select dog food that is made for smaller dogs. As with any dog, feeding twice daily is recommended. You can easily find dog food at the store that has the smaller nuggets instead of big chunks. Of course, you could always feed your dog canned food however the dry food is much better for your pets teeth.

Containing Your Small Dog

Small dogs don't have the exercise needs that big dogs do, but they still need an outdoor place for playing and potty. A yard that is fenced in might be good for a large dog, but it could be a dangerous place for a smaller one. Fencing put in for bigger dogs or just to fence of the yard may have gaps or holes your little dog can get through so check carefully if you have your dog out in a fenced area. Also, with small dogs you need to think about owls and hawks which can swoop in from above and a fenced area won't provide cover for that. Think about installing a covered kennel for your small dog so that he is well protected all around.

Training Your Small Dog

Small dogs aren’t any harder to train than large dogs, yet the general opinion of many pet experts is that a lot of them end up spoiled. No matter if he fits in a purse or a pocket, your small dog still sees the world in terms of pack behavior, and if you’re not leading the pack, he is. Housebreaking is challenging with the small ones but you must be firm even though his little messes may not seem like a big deal. Just like big dogs, small dogs should know that they must do something in order to get their treat. That's why you will want to always make sure your dog works for every treat - don't just give him one no matter how adorable he is being.

Grooming Your Small Dog

When it comes to grooming, there are some special requirements that small dogs have. Small dogs will need more frequent nail trimming than larger dogs, because they typically spend less time on rough surfaces wearing them down. Another thing with small dogs is that they do require frequent dental care including in home tooth brushing at least twice weekly.

Small dogs have the same fundamental care needs as larger dogs but with a few different twists. Taking care to pay attention to these small details will help to ensure that your dog lives a long and happy life.