Size matters—a lot—when it comes to dogs. Those little ones, also known as "mini", that weigh a maximum of 10 kilos in adulthood and that due to their size are ideal for life in the city, require specific care due to their peculiarities. So if you consider sharing your life with a small dog, it is important that you know what makes it different from large dogs to improve their quality of life and your coexistence.
To begin with, small dogs have a much faster metabolic rate than large dogs. In proportion, small ones expend more calories and oxygen than larger ones. In fact, according to experts, the relationship between body surface area and volume, contrary to what one might intuitively think, is greater in small dogs than in large ones. This causes them to lose more heat and require more energy to maintain their body temperature. They also have a smaller mouth and a greater tendency to develop tartar. For all this, it is essential that they are fed according to their characteristics.
Small dogs, therefore, may benefit from receiving a food adapted to their metabolism with a higher level of energy, protein and fat. In addition, they will need a kibble size adapted to the dimensions of their mouth so that they can chew properly. The portions should also be according to their size — if you have doubts, the recommended quantities on the products will be able to guide you. It is advisable to distribute the daily ration in two or three meals a day to help them regulate their appetite. And if you give him extras, such as dog biscuits, it is advisable not to exceed the recommended daily amount and adjust the calories of the main meals to his needs to avoid becoming overweight.
It's also important to keep an eye on tartar, which tends to build up on your teeth, since your mouth is smaller and houses the same number of teeth as a large dog. This favors bacterial plaque to accumulate more easily (in a stage prior to tartar), which can lead to future complications beyond periodontitis, such as tooth loss. To give you an idea, the probability that smaller breeds suffer from periodontal disease can be up to five times greater than that of large breeds. Therefore, a food that helps reduce the formation of tartar will be key to contributing to your dental health, along with proper hygiene and regular veterinary check-ups.
On the other hand, just because your dog is small does not mean that he does not need to be active, play, interact with other dogs or that walks are not important for him, quite the opposite: the ideal is to take several walks a day to cover his needs. needs and promote their well-being.
Since the metabolism of small dogs is faster, many people will think that they also age faster, but this is not the case. Contrary to popular belief, experts emphasize that small dogs grow quickly and age slowly. For example: one month for a small dog is equivalent to several months for a large one. In fact, dogs that weigh more have a shorter life expectancy and suffer from the typical diseases of old age sooner. For this reason, small dogs tend to live longer, although this will not free them from suffering from health problems.
Small dogs tend to be more reactive to certain stimuli, such as high-pitched sounds, and this can make them seem easier to pick up on than larger dogs. But it is not a matter of having the most developed senses, in fact, as some studies claim, their small size makes them more sensitive to signals that may pose a danger to them. Also, if your dog is small you will realize that it will probably be more difficult for him to resist rushing for food if you have told him to wait. Or, if you play with him, he may have trouble remembering where you just hid his prize. Unlike older children, younger children have less self-control and short-term memory.
Some may consider that small dogs behave worse than large ones. Some studies suggest that smaller ones may be more excitable, aggressive, anxious or fearful. They also point out that they bark more, whether when alone, when they see strangers or other dogs; and who protect the objects they consider theirs. Furthermore, they respond less well to our instructions—which forces us to repeat them again—and they tend to have greater difficulty learning to relieve themselves on the street.
However, that doesn't mean your small dog will also behave this way. Experts say that certain factors, such as the environment and the type of relationship you have with it, can make a difference. If as a dog parent of a small dog you care about his education, without resorting to punishment that can cause anxiety, you take into account his need for exercise and to do activities with you, you let him learn to relax if something scares him and you look for professional help if they show problematic attitudes, you will be able to build a quality relationship and encourage their relaxation and attention to your instructions.
Knowing what your mini dog is like, as well as the differences between large and small dogs, will help you ensure their well-being. A specific diet, daily activity with him, knowing the pathologies he could suffer over the years, following your veterinarian's advice and taking into account some of the keys to his behavior will make your relationship as healthy as it is long and happy.
*Sources used to make this article:
What special care do small dogs need?
Small dogs exposed: what are their characteristics?
