In many ways all dogs are the same, and general rules apply when it comes to the health of dogs of all size. However, in many ways small dogs need more special care than their larger counterparts.</strong> Small dogs can have big health problems, especially when you’re not aware of various preventive measures you can take to minimize the problems in the first place
So what can you do if you own a small dog?
Here are some tips that can really keep them little critters in tiptop shape:
1. If you have a small breed puppy, you need to keep it fed with <strong>calorie-rich food</strong> about 3 to 4 times a day. That’s because they tend to have very high metabolism, and that means they burn off calories more quickly. This trait continues on as they turn into adults, which means that a <strong>smaller breed of dog will need more calories per pound than their bigger counterparts
Inadequate calories can lead to lots of health problems, and that includes hypoglycemia. This is the quick drop in blood sugar that’s often found in small toy breeds from ages 6 to 12 weeks. A hypoglycemic attack can be indicated by tremors, problems in maintaining an even gait, or by general weakness and lethargy. Nutrition is very important!
You should take your small dog to the vet right away if you notice these symptoms, as hypoglycemia can also result in a coma that can be fatal. Your vet can treat the problem, and recommend changes in your dog’s calorie intake and feeding schedule.
2. Make sure that your small dog’s diet also includes a lot of antioxidants.These include lycopene, beta-carotene, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. These can be found in whole grains, carrots, apples, berries, and broccoli. You should check that your dog food has some of these as the ingredients.
Your small dog needs antioxidants because they tend to live longer than bigger dogs. That’s a good thing, but as they grow older they’re more susceptible to health conditions that are brought on by old age.<strong> Antioxidants can fight off the symptoms of aging, by fighting off harmful free radicals that can attack healthy tissues and cause cancer.
3. Make sure that everyone in the house is aware of the foods that must be fed to your dog. These no-no food items include mushrooms, grapes, coffee, and chocolate. These food items can make your dog sick, so you need to resist the temptation to share all your food with them.
4. It is true that exercise is crucial for all dogs regardless of how big they are. However, this may be especially true for some types of small dogs. Some of these tiny tots are so active that they need even more exercise and physical activity. You should get them to move more, because these small dogs can become bored and that can lead to problems for you. They can start chewing off and destroying various items in your home, or they can be so bored that they’ll just bark incessantly to keep themselves entertained.
