Physical wellbeing
Establish a vaccination routine
Whatever your small dog’s age, he’ll need vaccinations or boosters every year to protect against potentially fatal diseases. Keep your small dog’s vaccination record in a safe place, and ask your vet’s practice if it offers a vaccination reminder service – if more than 15 months passes between boosters, your small dog will have to start his vaccination programme again. Your small dog may feel a little feverish after a vaccination, but he should soon recover. If you have any concerns after a vaccination, always contact your vet.
Watch out for common illnesses
Your small dog may suffer from a tummy bug or dry, flaky skin at some stage in his life – these are both common health conditions and a trip to your vet should put your mind at rest. Sometimes, a gradual change to your small dog’s feeding plan can make a positive difference. While large dog breeds are prone to arthritis in old age, small dog breeds are less vulnerable. However, if your small dog appears to be limping, or having trouble getting up, always have a chat with your vet.
Prevent accidents
Small dogs can have unexpected accidents. Avoid ‘ticks’ (a nasty parasite that often resides in long grass) and eye damage from sharp spiky plants, by walking your small dog in open spaces, and never try to deal with ticks yourself – they’re tricky things to remove and are best tackled by your vet. You can prevent choking by only giving your small dog pieces of food that are small enough to chew and swallow easily, and playing fetch with a ball rather than a stick.
Simple dental care
It’s important to brush your small dog’s teeth regularly because dental problems are very painful and could lead to infection. Watch out for swollen gums, bad breath and drooling – if your small dog shows any of these symptoms, have a chat with your vet. In the meantime, brush your small dog’s teeth regularly with a soft finger brush and a pet-safe toothpaste – after a meal-time usually works well. Start with the side teeth towards the front, rather than the incisors, and brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in a gentle circular action – try to keep your brush at 45° to the gum-line.
Stay active
Although it’s tempting to scoop up and carry your small dog if you’re in a hurry, it’s important to help him stay active at every age. Regular exercise will boost your small dog’s energy levels, keep his weight stable, and maintain a healthy heart and a strong immune system.
Healthy ways to exercise
Vary your routine by walking at different times of the day and visiting different places. Young small dogs will also appreciate walking on soft surfaces like grass and sand until their paw-pads have hardened. Remember not to overdo it, though, and try not to exercise your small dog soon after a meal. Always watch him when you’re away from home, in case he tries to eat or drink something he shouldn’t, and offer him fresh water and a cuddle after a walk or a lively game.
