If you’re the fur parent of a pint-sized pup, you made a great choice! And you’re not alone. Smaller pups are very popular these days – and for a few good reasons.
- Compact canines are easier to care for – less to clean and groom!
- They don’t eat as much as big dogs, so food costs are lower and ya gotta love that!
- They’re adaptable and can thrive in many environments – perfect for city dwellers with limited space.
- They can be easier to travel with and able to fit in smaller cars.
Fun-sized dogs have a lot to offer, so to help you pay them back we’ve come up with three pup-tastic ways to keep small dogs healthy and happy.
1. Keep Them Moving
Daily exercise is essential for all small dogs, but the amount they need differs according to the breed. For example, Jack Russell Terriers need a lot of activity while French Bulldogs... not so much! But even our Frenchie buddies need to get out and about and enjoy some fresh air.
Speaking of Frenchies, if your dog has a smushy-lookin’ face (brachycephalic if you want to know the “pawsh” word for it), they can’t take the heat in summer because of the way their heads are structured. So, keep walks brief and play games with them inside to keep them fit in the hot months.
If you have a small breed dog that needs more than a daily walk around the block (helloooo terriers), how about taking them on a hike? Doggie daycares and off-leash parks are also wonderful to satisfy the needs of very active small dogs or puppies.
2. Calm, Cool & Compact
Small dogs are generally considered to be more excitable and anxious. But is this actually true?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says there could be a bit of truth to this and reports on research done by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. The study revealed three major behavioral differences between the small and large dogs that took part:
- Small dogs were less obedient and less likely to respond to common training words such as “Sit” or “Come.”
- Small dogs were more excitable and more likely to bark or growl at strangers, visitors, or other dogs.
- Small dogs were more anxious and fearful (easily spooked in strange situations, or when exposed to loud noises like thunder and fireworks, and nervous in the presence of strangers).
Yes, folks, it can be a big, scary world out there for our little ones, and even though small dogs have mighty hearts, sometimes they need a helping paw to get by.
So, what can we do to help them keep calm when faced with life’s normal stresses?
Keep Your Canine Calm with Soft Chews!
Offer them our yummy Advanced Calming Mini Bites™, which is designed specifically for small dogs. Try those that contain pawsome ingredients such as Sensoril® Ashwagandha, Suntheanine®, Organic Chamomile, and more. They’ll feel pampered as well as calm!
Try a Soothing Massage
If you’ve never done it before, it’s natural to feel a tinge of anxiety about trying it out. But, this beginner’s article from the AKC shows you how. It’s a great way to spend quality time together, too.
Turn on Some Tunes
Classical music, in particular, has been proven to calm anxious pets. Native American flute music can also work wonders. Be careful, though, you might fall asleep right alongside them!
Wrap Them Up Tight
Swaddling jackets and shirts can bring peace to your pup! Many dogs love the effect these have on them and relax almost immediately.
Your pint-sized pup will thank you for keeping them on top of their game. You’ll be rewarded, too, by having more valuable time with your bestie instead of worrying about settling them down.
3. Healthy Habits
One of the best ways to keep small dogs healthy and happy is to provide the best routine care you can afford. As well as exercise, our babies deserve healthy food and regular vet and grooming visits.
As we alluded to earlier, it’s also good to work supplements into your daily plan for Fido. They can help meet your dog’s nutritional needs and provide the essential ingredients they need to lead a strong and vibrant life.
Small dogs can be especially vulnerable to allergies – as their fur and noses are nearer to the ground. Inside, they’re closer to all the dust and dirt that gets kicked up off carpets and floors, and outside to the grasses and plants.
So, it’s a good idea to make one of their daily supplements one that may combat their allergies and boost their immune systems. Some are even tailor-made just for the little guys!
Our Aller-Immune Mini Bites™ are a perfect example. These soft chews contain Salmon Oil, EpiCor® Pets, Colostrum, Astragalus Root, and Probiotics. Together, each bite provides support for seasonal allergies, immune function, and gut health. Plus, they taste so good that your dog will get the itch for more! Trust us... we have a hot spot where our furry faves taste test for us, and their wagging tails say it all!
Your Snuggle-Size Pet Can Have It All
Once you’ve taken care of your baby’s everyday needs by giving them plenty of exercise, keeping them calm when things get ruff, and giving them the best food and supplements, it’s time to provide them with all the love and affection they so deserve.
Our little loves make the best lap dogs, so sit back on the sofa and snuggle to your heart’s content. They might be tiny, but they bring huge joy, and ways to keep small dogs healthy and happy have never been easier.
Speaking of easy, and what could be easier than an 8-in-1 soft chew for small dogs? Check out our 8-in-1 functional supplement – it supports hip and joint function, heart health, skin health, gut function, the immune system, antioxidant activity, liver health, and performance.
We’ve got you covered! Happy snuggles!
Let’s Hear From You!
Do you like our tips? Do you have others of your own that you’d like to share?
We’d love to hear your stories and see photos of your besties living their zestiest lives! Go ahead and share them with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest using #ZestyPaws.
If you’d like to learn more about our collection of products, you can also reach out to us directly at 1-800-738-0661 or bark@zestypaws.com.