Teddy Dog (Detailed Introduction)

Although large dogs and small dogs are both dogs, there are many obvious differences between the two in many aspects. Besides body size, small dogs are also more prone to certain diseases or health problems. Generally, small dogs refer to those weighing about 1-10 kilograms. Due to their sensitive teeth and gums and picky eating habits, they often experience many digestive problems.

1. Small dogs are more prone to dental plaque and tartar

Reasons: 1. Misalignment of teeth; 2. The teeth of small dogs are relatively large compared to the lower jawbone, which makes the latter appear fragile. Poor oral hygiene further weakens it and may even cause gum recession; 3. A longer lifespan increases the risk of oral problems; 4. Inflammation caused by dental plaque and tartar can lead to breathing difficulties.

Small dogs are prone to tartar, dental plaque, and similar problems

2. Small dogs are more prone to indigestion and related problems

Compared to large dogs, small dogs are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues. Many daily factors affect the digestive system of small dogs: stress, ingestion of heterogeneous foods, lack of exercise, etc. These manifest as moist, foul-smelling, and bulky stools. The most important reason is that small dogs have difficulty absorbing protein. Therefore, owners need to provide easily digestible protein to help improve digestion, which can be observed from the hardness and odor of the dog's stool.

3. Tendency to overweight

Some small dogs are prone to being overweight, especially ornamental breeds like Chihuahuas. Reasons for overweight include:

1. Staying indoors for long periods with a lack of exercise;

2. Neutering surgery: compared to intact dogs, neutered dogs often lose motivation and mostly just eat and sleep. Hormonal changes also make dogs more prone to gaining weight;

3. Genetic factors also play a role in causing obesity;

4. Diet is a major issue as many owners feed without restriction, while the dog’s exercise level is low. This imbalance leads to fat accumulating faster than it is burned off, resulting in obesity.

4. Skin and coat problems occur more easily

The quality of skin and coat reflects a dog's health. Dry skin, abnormal shedding, split and dull hair, allergic and itchy skin indicate poor health. In urban environments, small dogs face air pollution and often endure stress affecting their coat. With age, their fur becomes lackluster and brittle, and their skin less supple. Many small dogs are diagnosed with skin diseases in veterinary clinics, so owners should pay extra attention to skin issues.

The above are some problems that small dogs are relatively more prone to. Different dogs have subtle differences in nutritional needs, and diet is a crucial part of a dog’s life, so it must be carefully monitored. Although small dogs generally exercise less than large dogs, ensuring a certain amount of exercise is still necessary to prevent excessive weight gain and related problems. Skin diseases may not be life-threatening but can be very troublesome, so maintaining good hygiene and proper care is essential for keeping small dogs healthy.