Basics Care for Toy Dogs

If your lifestyle is fast and busy, a small dog breed, also known as a toy dog or a lap dog, might be the perfect dog for you.  These dogs are usually easy to care for and need little maintenance. Getting one of these dogs as a pet will not only help you minimize stress, it’s also a nice feeling to come home to a happy dog waiting for you at the door.

Here are some care tips for smaller dogs.

Feeding

Smaller dog breeds are easy to overfeed. This can lead to health issues and overweight dog. Also, you’ll be using more food and might end up wasting it. Feed your small dog as much as it only needs. Consult your vet about it or check the back of the dog food pack for specific serving sizes for your dog’s size. You should also feed it the appropriate type of dog food. Most dog food brands have a specific line for smaller dog, containing just the right amount of nutrients so that dog does not experience growth spurts or health issues.

Exercise

The smaller the dog, the smaller amount of exercise they need. They might seem hyperactive most of the time, but they do get tired easily. Over-exercising can cause stress and fatigue, so make sure you give them just the right amount of daily physical activities. Under-exercise is also a common problem. Too little exercise can cause muscle, bone and nerve problems, such as degenerative myelopathy¸ to develop. If you can’t take your dog out for a walk, then do some activities at home.

Grooming

A common factor with lap dogs that people love is their long fur. Small dog breeds that have longer coats are more popular compared to ones that have short coats. Long and short coated dogs have different grooming needs, but you basically want to brush their coats daily, give them a bath once or twice a month, and you need to use anti tick and flea soap or shampoo.

Health

In general, smaller dogs live longer compared to large breeds. Most small dog breeds can live up to 17 years. They are also less prone to nerve illnesses like degenerative myelopathy, but they are prone to hypoglycemia, hip, joint, heart and respiratory system problems. Regular visits to the vet are important to maintain good health and detect any possible health issues.