Alice White
The dog is considered to be man’s best friend and loyal companion. No wonder that dog owners would give everything to make sure that their fur nose is lacking for nothing. But what does a dog really need to be vital and healthy? And what are the special features of keeping small dog breeds? Together with Purina, we will reveal five golden rules for a happy dog life.
Movement and Routine for More Balance
Every dog has a very individual energy consumption and therefore a very different urge to move. Small dogs in particular are often underestimated. Because despite their small size, many breeds such as Chihuahua, Dachshund, French Bulldog, and Co. are often real bundles of energy and need sufficient exercise.
Daily walks shouldn’t be neglected. Allow enough time to walk your dog for at least 15 to 30 minutes several times a day. A total of around two hours of exercise per day is the rule of thumb. The trips outside not only serve to evacuate the bladder and bowels but also to romp around and play, to participate in the social life of a dog with fellow dogs, and to explore the territory.
In addition to exercise as such, a familiar routine is also important for your pet’s well-being. You have probably already noticed that your dog knows your daily routine inside out. During walks and excursions, fixed processes and routines help give the dog a feeling of security. This ensures more balance and well-being in everyday life.
Intellectual Activity Against Boredom
A healthy mind lives in a healthy body: This saying also applies to dogs, because the mental workload and sufficient activity are essential for four-legged friends of all breeds and sizes. Boredom, on the other hand, can lead to stress in dogs and even cause physical discomfort or behavioral disorders such as obesity or aggressiveness.
Dogs are social animals that seek attention and want to be kept busy. The easiest way to do this is to play with your dog. Find out which kind of intellectual activity is the right one for your furry friend, for example, agility training, dog sports, or retrieving objects. Chew toys and intelligence toys are also popular with small and large dogs – especially if the dog repeatedly experiences a sense of achievement and confirmation by being praised by you and rewarded with treats.
High-Quality Food Especially for Small Dogs
Proper nutrition is the recipe for a long, healthy dog life. Which food is best for your pet depends, among other things, on the dog’s age, activity, size, and health. Small breeds of dogs have different food needs than large dogs. This applies not only to the amount of feed but also to the frequency of feeding and of course the ingredients of the feed.
In order to optimally feed small dogs, you should fill your pet’s bowl with a small portion several times a day. Make sure that the individual canapés or pieces of food are not too big, but can be easily eaten by small mouths. Tailor-made foods such as Purina ONE Mini, which is specially tailored to the needs of small dogs, are ideal.
The Purina ONE Mini 3-Week Challenge proves that even 3 weeks of proper nutrition can have a positive effect on the dog’s overall well-being. The test campaign is specially designed for small dogs and shows how in just three weeks the dog’s zest for life, the health of skin and coat, and digestion can change positively.
Attention and Communication Between Dog and Human
Dogs are not just pets, they are family members who have an integral role in the household. Show your dog that he is a full member of your pack by giving him the attention and care he needs.
Caresses are an important part of social interaction and ensure the production of happiness hormones and the reduction of stress in two- and four-legged friends. Of course, some dogs are more affectionate than others. This is completely normal and should definitely be respected. When your pet needs rest, offer them plenty of retreats.
Education is also part of communication between humans and dogs. The extensive training of important behaviors helps you and your four-legged friend to cope with everyday life together. At the same time, your dog will find confirmation and joy in obeying commands and communicating with his caregiver.
Health Care and Veterinary Visits
Despite all care, the dog can occasionally get sick. In order to prevent serious illnesses, you should regularly present your four-legged friend to the vet and have them examined. The routine examinations include the basic immunization through vaccinations, the examination of the skeleton and the teeth as well as the examination for diseases typical of the breed. Many diseases can be prevented before they develop through preventive measures such as removing the tartar.
If your dog suddenly shows unusual behavior or signs of pain, suffers from indigestion or other symptoms, seek veterinary advice. Targeted treatment measures such as a change in diet can be depending on the clinical picture, work wonders, and quickly give your dog new strength and energy.
