Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. We love all of our canine patients, from big, goofy St. Bernards to small, feisty Chihuahuas. While most pooches share some common traits—such as a love for snacks and belly rubs—little dogs do have some different care needs from their larger counterparts. Here, a local Georgetown, IN vet discusses caring for small dogs.

Training

Just because Fido is small, don’t assume that he doesn’t need training. Small dogs shouldn’t be allowed to get away with bad petiquette any more than bigger ones. In fact, many small dogs can get rather bossy. Some are even quite aggressive! Teach your canine buddy basic commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. This is also important for safety reasons, so you can call your pet to you, or keep him from approaching dangerous areas or other animals.

Exercise

Making sure your pooch is getting enough activity is an important part of any good dog care routine. This is much easier with small breeds. Fido will still need the activity and stimulation of daily walks, but he also gets quite a workout in just running around the house on those little legs. Be careful not to over-exert your tiny pal. These guys get tired out quickly!

Products

When choosing toys and treats for your canine friend, make sure to always pick things that were made specifically for small dogs. Products made for bigger pooches are not safe or suitable for little pups. We also recommend using a harness, rather than a leash.

Grooming

Your furry pal’s grooming needs will depend on the type and length of his coat, so you’ll want to ask your vet for specific advice. That said, it’s worth noting that many little dogs often get tearstains. This may be because they are so close to the ground that they get a lot of dust in their eyes. Use a clean, wet washcloth or cotton ball to gently clean Fido’s face.

Safety

While some small dogs seem to see themselves as much bigger than they actually are, others are very timid, and are easily scared. You may want to teach Fido that you will pick him up if he puts a paw on your leg.

Please contact us, your local Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for your little dog’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy to help!