People who have small dogs always hope that their beloved pets can grow up healthy and happy, sharing a wonderful life together. In this regard, experts have shared several tips to help small dogs maintain their health and happiness, which could be helpful for those in need.
Researcher Mia Cobb from the Animal Welfare Science Centre at The University of Melbourne in Australia wrote in an article on The Conversation website that a science-centered approach focused on small dogs can help people see the world from their perspective and apply this new knowledge to help them enjoy a better life. Here are five methods she suggested:
Cobb pointed out that since humans rely mostly on vision in their daily lives, it is easy to forget that small dogs live in a world based on smell. Smelling can make them happier. When you walk your dog every day, you should remember that it may be their only chance to leave their home environment that day.
She said letting small dogs take a good sniff of that tree or that pole is full of satisfying messages for them, just like us standing on a mountaintop, enjoying the colorful sunset.
Veterinarian Danielle Bernal previously stated that smelling is very beneficial for small dogs. It not only helps them perceive the outside world as their main method of communication but also enriches them physically and mentally, which is a key factor in their overall health.
Cobb said that research shows giving animals choices and control in their lives is crucial for their mental health. By creating more choices, we can provide small dogs with a sense of control, helping them enjoy better welfare.
She suggested that you can install a pet door to allow small dogs to come in and out freely; you can let them decide which path to take through the local park; or let them choose three toys to play with from a selection. Providing choices like this doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Cobb mentioned that people often attribute certain personality traits to specific dog breeds. However, just like humans, small dogs have their own personalities and preferences, and not all small dogs will like the same things. A new dog living with us may be completely different from a previous one.
For example, some dogs enjoy running quickly in a dog park with other companions for an hour, while others prefer chewing things in the garden with their owners.
We can see that there are as many behavioral differences within small dog breeds as there are between breeds. Besides paying attention to what each small dog likes to do, it’s important not to force them into environments they don’t like and to notice behaviors indicating discomfort, such as averting gaze, licking lips, or yawning.
Cobb said that even in our homes, if a small dog doesn’t want to participate in every activity with us, we can still provide choices for them. It’s important for them to have a quiet place to retreat to.
For instance, if the TV volume is loud, it may be overwhelming for a small dog’s sensitive ears. You can leave the door to another room open so they can retreat. When guests visit, some dogs may feel overwhelmed, so giving them a safe and quiet place rather than forcing them to interact can help them deal with such situations.
Cobb said that when small dogs are allowed to run free without being tethered, they utilize space differently. Instead of walking under people’s guidance, they often explore more extensively and walk faster. This provides them with important and fun physical activity that helps maintain their health.