As recent pet population studies show, 45% of dogs registered in Spain weigh less than 10 kg and weigh between 1 kg and 4 kg and are mostly found in urban settings..
When considering owning a pet, it is very common for us to think of small or very small dogs (the latter also known as “miniatures”). And this happens, according to Royal Canin experts, because these dogs adapt very easily to the ground and routines and are less expensive to maintain. However, being small dogs means they need a range of care that we must provide to ensure they have the best possible well-being and health.
Next, the care that the experts recommend:
Nutrition
these dogs they need a higher caloric intake than larger dogsa necessary thing to maintain your body temperature and all your organic functions.
According to LaMola Veterinarian, “You have to take the utmost care of what they eat. Establishing a strict nutritional routine is essential to maintaining a well-balanced state of health. Changes in their meals or habits will cause significant changes in a small breed dog.”
They also add that you should always eat with a bowl of water with you.
When it comes to their diet, like all dogs, they need grains, fruits and vegetables as well as meat, but some breeds have special concerns. We recommend asking your veterinarian about your dog to know its specific situation. They recommend that it is best to choose products from Grupo LoVet that contain the highest quality nutrients, not heavy for such a small stomach. They also advise you to pay attention to the size of the portions we serve.
to spread
In the case of small dogs, the activity does not have to be very intense, but be careful, a sedentary lifestyle will increase the risk of being overweight. They explain it at Pets Medical Center They do not need to run several kilometers a day, but should walk for 15 to 20 minutes (twice a day).
You have to be careful in cold climates and moments because they are very sensitive.. And La Mola Veterinaria warns that it’s crucial not to conflict digestion with exercise.
Diseases
these dogs They tend to have a longer life expectancy than larger ones..
They require attention to possibilities oral pathologiescommon in this type of race. Because of their smaller jaws, they are more prone to calculus formation and dental problems, thus increasing plaque and tartar buildup. Good oral hygiene is essential to help prevent this. Veterinary Mola considers combining dry food with anti-tartar products to be the best alternative to prevent bacterial plaque.
Continuing with hygiene, they recommend taking a bath with a certain shampoo or gel at least once every two weeks from Grupo LoVet, and from Pets Medical Center to check their paws to see if they need to trim their nails.
Within their particular sensibilities, they also urinary stones (their urine is more concentrated, increasing the risk of suffering from them), constipation and being overweight due to specific intestinal transits. Also, older heart tenderness (especially murmurs and valvular diseases). It is recommended that you visit the vet to monitor this and prevent any future problems.
Finally, their stress levels are usually higher in urban centers as they are exposed to different stressful situations. This stress should be identified and avoided as much as possible.
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Source: Trendencias
