Holiday Gifts for Small Dogs

Happy Holidays! Have you decided what to get your dog yet? Fido is a loyal and loving companion, and definitely deserves a special gift or two. If your four-legged buddy is a smaller breed, you may want to keep your pup’s size in mind when you go shopping. Read on as a local Thorold, ON vet offers some great suggestions for holiday gifts for little dogs.

Many smaller breeds, such as Chihuahuas, have thin fur. Your canine companion may be much more comfortable in cold weather with a cute doggy sweater. When shopping for your pint-sized pet, avoid anything with small parts, like buttons, that your canine pal could try to eat. You also want to avoid anything with dangling threads. Ask your vet for more information.

Small pooches often enjoy cuddling up on their humans’ laps for a nap, but they will still benefit from having a bed of their own. Many little breeds like beds with raised sides, which make them feel safe.

When choosing toys for your pooch, be sure to pick things that are specifically for little dogs. Fido could hurt himself on a toy made for a large breed!

Little dogs often have a hard time jumping on and off beds and couches. Certain breeds, like miniature dachshunds, can also get serious spinal injuries by jumping or falling from furniture. Get your canine friend pet ramps or stairs, so he can get around more easily.

Proper training isn’t just important for big dogs: it’s crucial for petite ones as well. Many of our smaller canine buddies think they are larger than life, and may charge headfirst into dangerous areas or situations. Small breeds can also get quite bossy. If your pooch needs to work on his petiquette, consider giving Fido the gift of education, and sign him up for obedience classes.

Consider getting Fido a harness to wear instead of a leash. It’s very easy to accidentally jerk on a small dog’s neck if he has a regular collar.

Proper veterinary care is crucial to your adorable pet’s health and well-being. Schedule Fido’s next appointment.

All of us here at Heartland Niagara Veterinary Hospital, your Thorold, ON pet clinic, want to wish you a wonderful holiday season. Please feel free to contact us anytime. We are always happy to help!