at the withers up to 40 cm. This parameter is calculated by placing the dog in the quadrupedal position and measuring the distance from the dog's withers to the ground with a rigid meter or a special instrument, called a cynometer.Orthopedic pathologies. Among these we find the dislocation of the patella, given by the incorrect positioning of the patella outside its natural location, and the necrosis of the femoral head, degeneration of this anatomical part detectable in the growth phase. Cardiac disorders, in particular mitral valve dysfunction resulting in cardiac symptoms of valve insufficiency. Respiratory disorders, first of all the predisposition to dorso-ventral tracheal collapse with consequent respiratory symptoms and exercise intolerance. Gastrointestinal disorders, with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, with the particularity of being associated with emotional and environmental stress factors.
Tags:
food allergy home-fitness health
Officially no distinction is made between small dogs and very small dogs, although commonly called toy breeds are those that remain in a weight of 4 kg.
The small breeds that we know the most are:
- Poodle
- Dachshund
- Bichon a poil frize
- Meat sauce
- Boston Terrier
- French bulldog
- Pug
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua
- Fox Terrier
- Maltese
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Pekingese
- Dwarf pinscher
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Volpino italiano and Volpino di Pomerania
- Shih Tzu
- Spitz
- West Highland White Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
It should be borne in mind that if some of these pathologies are more frequent in the large category of small breeds, there are specific predispositions for each breed that must be evaluated together with your veterinarian.
To learn more: High nutrition of the dog expose them more to climate change. If in the summer their short stature exposes them to greater contact with very hot surfaces, such as asphalt, in the winter they suffer a greater dispersion of heat, feeling the cold more. Especially for short-haired breeds it is good to consider the "use of a cover during walks.
- In the winter period it would also be better to avoid baths and washing, if you are not sure of a correct drying of the coat, and it is good to avoid shearing that can further expose them to the cold.
- Proper prevention also helps in the predispositions mentioned above. A good dental cleaning is advisable in these types of dogs in order to avoid the accumulation of tartar and gingivitis. There are numerous special products on the market, from the toothbrush for dogs with toothpaste to specific chews and croquettes.
- Finally, even for these dogs, it is important to provide the right nutrients with proper nutrition. A balanced diet in the right quantity avoids the development of obesity, a predisposing condition to numerous dog diseases. For this reason all the formulations on the market contain the information necessary for the dosage of the food based on the age and weight of the animal; we remind you that the quantity present on the packages, whether for a dry or mixed feed only, refers to a daily dose.
