Monday, February 20, 2012

Tiny Dog Breeds - What Every Owner Should Know

By Emily Landon


Tiny dog breeds. Just the name gives visions of adorable, playful little pups that you can scoop up in your arms with one hand and put in a satchel or bag. While this is true, being the owner of a tiny dog requires a lot more than using them as a "playmate". Tiny dog breeds come with their own set of health care issues and maintenance apart from their larger counterparts.

Here are some quick and easy tips to ensure your newly acquired family member enjoys a wonderful experience:

1. These breeds are fragile. Which means caring for them takes a lot of tender loving care in order to avoid accidents. They love to nestle under your feet or under a lounge chair when it is in the lounging position so knowing where they are at all times before you get up is essential. You need to be sure you don't crush them or step on them when you get up to walk.

2. The tinier breeds tend to have more health issues, especially with their mouths. Often they have issues with tooth decay and their permanent teeth come in but their baby teeth do not fall out - known as "shark's teeth". They also can develop breathing problems because of their tiny size - the Shih Tzu breed most often has this type of issue. Even though they eat as often as a larger dog, they can eat too much too quickly which will make them sick. So you need to be aware of how and when you feed them.

3. Because of their fragile nature, tiny dogs are not the best fit for families with very small children as they can get rough with the animal and cause injury or sometimes, even death. Also, these breeds are very susceptible to developing defensive aggression because of fear from children manhandling them. They are best suited for families with older children or single/married couples without children.

4. Leaving this type of dog outside is not really a good idea unless they are supervised. There are many unseen dangers such as holes, gaps in your fence or predators that could severely injure or kill your pet. So be certain to always stay outside with your dog to avoid any unforeseen mishaps.

5. These breeds are tiny and that means that they are closer to the ground because of their small legs. So inclement weather is usually a challenge to get them to go outside. The snow is usually up to their little bodies so they tend to shy away from going out. You need to dig a path for them so they have a clear walkway to do their business. This will avoid any accidents in the house and keep them in check.

Owning tiny dog breeds is a joy. They are a lovable, adorable pet and can bring many, many years of happiness to anyone. Just make sure you follow common sense tips and your vet's/pet shop and/or breeder's advice to ensure years of love and safe keeping.




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