Small dogs are very popular in the world due to housing conditions and other reasons. However, because they are small dogs, there are some diseases and injuries that you need to be careful about. In this article, we will introduce the diseases, injuries, and preventive measures that small dogs should be careful of.
5 Diseases and Injuries That Small Dogs Should Be Careful Of
Small dogs tend to be more susceptible to stress than other dog breeds due to their body structure, size, and thin legs. Here we will explain diseases and injuries that small dogs should be careful of, so owners of small dogs should be especially careful.
1. Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse is a disease that is common in many dogs, but small dogs are especially prone to collapse due to the inability of the trachea to maintain its structure. Therefore, it has been pointed out that they are more likely to cause tracheal collapse.
Symptoms of tracheal collapse include heavy breathing, difficulty breathing, and severe coughing. Symptoms can be alleviated and treated with medication or surgical treatment, so if you have any concerns, please consult your local veterinary clinic.
2. Patellar Luxation
Small dogs have thinner legs than other dog breeds, so they tend to be more susceptible to stress. Therefore, even jumping from a slightly high place can cause a strong impact, leading to dislocations and fractures.
Patellar luxation is a particularly common condition. If your child walks with one leg raised or shows signs of shielding the leg, you may suspect a dislocation. Treatment methods vary depending on the severity of the dislocation, so consult a veterinarian.
3. Brain Disease
Brain disease is also said to be a disease that small dogs are more susceptible to. Epilepsy and hydrocephalus are particularly common in small dogs.
If you experience sudden convulsions or abnormalities in your gait or movement, a brain disease such as epilepsy or hydrocephalus may be the cause. Wait until the symptoms subside before taking your cat to the vet.
4. Mitral Regurgitation
It has been pointed out that small dogs are more likely to suffer from heart disease as they put more strain on their hearts. Among these, mitral regurgitation is most commonly seen in small, geriatric dogs.
Symptoms include coughing and fatigue, and if the disease progresses, there is a risk that other illnesses may develop.
As there is currently no cure, the main treatments are to alleviate the symptoms and improve lifestyle habits.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that is often seen in the extremities of the feet. Patients may experience pain in their joints, have difficulty walking, or show a reluctance to move.
If left untreated, symptoms may worsen, such as joint deformity and bone collapse. If you notice that something is wrong with your pet, please visit a veterinary hospital for examination, testing, and treatment as soon as possible.
Preventive measures small dog owners should start today
There are various risks of diseases other than those introduced above. Owners of small dogs should take as many preventive measures as possible, such as the following:
- Prepare a pet step for moving to high places
- Place mats etc. on the flooring to prevent slipping.
- Be careful about the time of day you go for walks so you don’t feel the temperature difference.
- Have them warm up in the hallway before going outside in the cold.
- Manage your diet to avoid obesity
- Avoid too strenuous exercise and try to do exercise that is appropriate for your physique.
It is important to take measures to avoid putting strain on your legs and hips and to avoid putting stress on your heart and body due to strenuous exercise. Let’s try to take countermeasures where possible.
summary
How was it? For small dogs, improving their living environment and reviewing their habits to put as little stress on their bodies as possible will help prevent illness and injury. Please refer to the preventive measures introduced this time and try various measures at home.
