Small Dog Health: Your Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Dog Healthy

by Janice Jones     |Last updated 05-19-2023

Not all small dog health problems afflict all tiny dogs.  But anyone considering a small dog should be aware of some of the more common problems that appear frequently in tiny dogs. 

The good news is that so many problems faced by the average pet owner can be avoided through excellent care, an optimal environment, and good nutrition.

Still, there are some small dog breeds that seem to be healthier than others.

Small Dog Health Prevention

To keep your dog in tip top shape requires one to consider all the ways they can prevent problems from occurring.  All dogs should enjoy a life filled with health, energy and vitality. 

As a pet parent, there are many ways you can help your dog stay healthy.  The bonus for you?  Reduced trips to the vet and large outlays of money to treat potentially preventable problems.

Focus on Health and Wellness and Not on Disease

• Dogs Throwing Up Undigested Food
• Human Medicines You Can Use on Your Dog
• Foods Toxic to Dogs
• Plants Toxic to Dogs
• How to Choose a Veterinarian
• Dogs and Sleep:  How Much Sleep Does Your Dog Need?

Small Dog Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan

Senior Dogs

• How to Guide Your Senior Dog into Aging with Ease
• How to Care for Your Senior Dog
• Senior Dog Health Tips

Holistic and Alternative Health Resources

Supplements

CBD Oil for Dogs in Pain: All the Facts You Need to Know

CBD as an Antioxidant for Small Dogs:  What you Need to Know

Prednisone for Dogs

Benadryl for Dogs

Phenobarbital for Dogs

Kratom for Dogs

10 Ways to Boost Your Dog's Immunity

Alternative Therapies

Stem Cell Therapy with Small Dogs: How it Can Help

Acupuncture for Dogs

8 Essential Oils for Dogs

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Prevent Problems From Ever Occurring

Heartworm Disease & Preventative

Heartworm Disease is a serious and possibly fatal condition caused by a parasite called by its scientific name, Dirofilaria immitis.  It gets its name because these parasites take up residence in the chambers of the heart and surrounding blood vessels.

Adult worms resemble long thin strains of spaghetti often upwards of 12 inches long and lodge in the lungs and heart, where they begin to reproduce. 

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Obesity

Do you have an overweight dog?  Perhaps you'd like to ignore the situation, but if your Small breed dog is overweight, you are cheating him out of the chance to live the best possible life.

Overweight Small breed dogs are at increased risk of developing painful conditions like osteoarthritis and life-threatening ones like respiratory, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and many forms of cancer.

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Signs Your Dog Has a Sleep Disorder

Similar to humans, sleep is imperative for a dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Depending on the breed, your four-legged friend should get between 12 and 14 hours of sleep per day. This includes the time they sleep both at night and during the day.

Do you suspect that your dog isn’t sleeping enough or may be suffering from a sleep disorder? Knowing the warning signs of sleep disorders in dogs and the different types can help you make a quick diagnosis and get them the treatment they need.

Dog Ticks: Should You Be Concerned?

They look like insects, but Ticks are real arachnids, the same family as spiders and scorpions, meaning they have 8 legs instead of the normal 6 legs found in insects. 

They do damage to their host by attaching themselves, sucking blood and transmitting disease.  The main issue with dog ticks is not the skin problems they cause, but the disease they can transmit. They can causes severe problems not only for your dog but for you too.

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Puppy and Adult Vaccination Guide

There is little agreement even among veterinarians as to what is best for each dog when it comes to vaccinating.  What is worse, many people have heard horror stories about vaccine reactions in people. 

With such controversy, wouldn’t it just be easier not to vaccinate at all?  Some think so, but but before you make a decision, read this article.

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Worms in Dogs:  Are You at Risk For Catching Your Dog's Worms?

Discussing those Common Worms in Dogs and single celled organisms that live in dogs does not make for polite dinner conversation. 

However, if left unchecked, these little creatures can make your dog and even you very ill and could be potentially deadly. 

There are several very common worms seen in dogs.  Learn about each, the symptoms in your dog and how to treat them.

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Fleas in Winter: Protect Your Dog From These Pesky Parasites

Although fleas and ticks are most active during the warmer months (starting in March in some states in the U.S.), the American Kennel Club warns that they are a threat to pets all year round.  Find out how you can manage these external parasites year-round.

Read about Fleas in Winter

How to Cope with Seasonal Allergies

Spring is in the air, which means that allergy season is already in full swing across many parts of the USA.

While it is no secret that countless Americans are affected by seasonal allergies, we don't always realize to what extent our beloved canine companions can also be affected by the changing seasons.

Read how to cope with Seasonal Allergies