How to Care for Small Dogs Hampton VA

Many people choose to own a small dog because the dogs adapt well to many different lifestyles. The care for a small dog is much like taking care of a larger dog, but with a few adjustments.

There are some things that you will need to change or consider when owning a smaller breed dog:

1. Feeding. You will be feeding your dog each day, but the regular size dog food will be too large for your dog to eat. You need to buy a dry dog food that is made to fit a small mouth. Canned dog foods are perfect for a smaller breed dog to eat.
2. Containment. All dogs, big or small, need a good safe place outdoors to exercise and potty. A fence is not always the answer for smaller dogs; there may be holes or gaps big enough for a smaller dog to squeeze through. Fences also do not protect smaller dogs from birds or hawks that fly overhead. Sometimes a covered kennel run is better.
3. Training. A smaller breed dog is not any harder to train than any larger dog. All dogs see the world in terms of pack behavior whether they are large or small; you need to be the leader of the dog and let him know it. It is just as important to house train a smaller dog no matter how small the messes might be. Just as other dogs, also make sure he learns the same tricks like sit or shake for treats or praise.
4. Grooming. Smaller dogs need some special grooming. They need their nails trimmed more often. If they are eating a lot of canned food due to their size, they need to have their teeth brushed twice a week.
5. Dressing. When you take your smaller dog outside to play on colder days, dress him in a sweater or coat. Small dogs tend to get chilled easier. Make sure to clean and dry their paws and in between the toes; with their paws being so small, tiny particles tend to get stuck in them easily.

As you will quickly see, taking care of a smaller breed dog will take just as much or even more time than a larger breed. All dogs follow the same routines with very minor detailed changes. Paying a smaller breed dog a lot of attention will make a big impact when it comes to meeting his special needs.

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