When it comes to the small breed dog, there are some nutritional needs and health considerations that pet owners need to keep in mind. Here’s a look at the things you need to know before welcoming small breeds into your home or keeping your smaller dog happy and healthy.
Understanding the nutritional needs of a small breed dog
Nutrition sets the stage for your dog’s quality of life and can also help them live longer. Along with a preventative health care plan, your pet also needs to follow a healthy, balanced diet. Here are key aspects to keep in mind for your small breed:
- Puppies from the smaller breed groups grow and mature faster than larger breeds. They have faster metabolisms which mean their calorie intake needs are higher as well.
- Adult small breeds are prone to obesity and dental disease, which means you need to feed them breed-specific foods that are geared towards enhancing their metabolism and protecting their teeth.
- These dogs do better with smaller sizes kibbles because they have smaller facial bones and jaw structure. To help cater to this need, some brands (like Royal Canin) produce specifically shaped, sized and textured kibbles.
- Although their stomachs are smaller and they have less space for food, smaller dogs still need to eat enough food (relative to their body weight) for optimal growth. Aim for a few smaller meals per day instead of two large servings of food.
Small dog behavioural issues to look out for
Here are the most common behavioural problems to be on the lookout for in your small dog:
Under-stimulation
Small breed dogs need just as much (of not more) space, mental stimulation and physical exercise as larger dogs. Just think about the Jack Russel compared to the Great Dane. Some breeds, like terriers, are anything but lapdogs and need loads of exercise and attention to help avoid behavioural problems like OCD.
Socialisation needs
Although some small dogs aren’t exactly social butterflies, it’s not in their nature, but rather a learnt behaviour because they’re not exposed to social environments. Puppy training and frequent socialization is always a good idea for any type of dog, large or small.
Common health conditions
Here’s a quick look at the most common health problems diagnosed in smaller breed dogs:
Dental problems
We’ve already touched base on this issue, and it’s something that’s especially prevalent in short-snouted dogs. To help avoid the problem, it’s essential to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis and give them some healthy treats to help combat plaque and bacteria build-up in the mouth.
Patella Luxation
Patella Luxation is a condition that often affects dogs like Boston Terriers, Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terries. This happens when a dog’s kneecap dislocates from its normal anatomic position and the groove of the thigh bone. Symptoms of the condition depend on the severity and persistence of the condition but usually see dogs skipping on their back legs when they run.
Broken Bones or Fractures
Smaller dog breeds with short front legs are prone to fractures and breaks in bones and usually result from minor trauma like falling out of an owner’s arms or jumping off things that are too high.
Legg Calvé Perthes Disease
Although the condition sounds intimidating, it’s actually just another name for deformity of the hip joint in dogs. It affects a variety of smaller breeds and can occur anywhere between four and 12 months of age.
IVDD
Intervertebral Disc Disease is a condition that occurs when the cushions between the vertebra come into contact with the spinal cord and cause symptoms like pain, weakness and even dragging one or both hind legs.
