Vet Approved Guide: How to Keep Small Dogs Healthy – From Puppy to Senior (2025)🏊♂️🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Small dogs may come in tiny packages, but their health needs are just as important—and sometimes more specialized—than those of larger breeds. From tiny teeth to aging joints, small breeds face unique risks and require tailored care at every life stage. 🐾

This comprehensive guide walks you through how to keep small dogs healthy from puppyhood to their senior years—with support from Ask A Vet. 🩺

🐶 Small Breed Puppies (0–12 Months)

1. 🍼 Nutrition

• 🥣 Choose a small-breed puppy formula with high calorie density
• 📆 Feed 3–4 meals/day to prevent hypoglycemia

2. 📋 Veterinary Care

• 💉 Start vaccines at 6–8 weeks; booster through 16 weeks
• 🩺 Begin parasite prevention early

3. 🧸 Avoid Injury

• 🪵 Use ramps or stairs for furniture access
• 🛏️ Supervise rough play to protect tiny bones

🦷 Adult Small Dogs (1–7 Years)

1. 🥗 Balanced Nutrition

• 🍽️ Choose a small-breed adult dog food rich in protein and healthy fats
• 🧾 Monitor weight—obesity strains joints and shortens lifespan

2. 🦷 Dental Care

• 🪥 Brush teeth daily or use dental treats
• 📅 Schedule professional cleanings every 1–2 years

3. 🛠️ Behavioral Maintenance

• 🎯 Continue mental enrichment to prevent boredom

4. 🧼 Grooming

• 🐕 Long-coated breeds need regular brushing and trims
• ✂️ Trim nails and check ears monthly

👴 Senior Small Dogs (8+ Years)

1. 📋 Vet Visits Twice a Year

• 🧪 Bloodwork, urinalysis, and dental exams
• 🩺 Monitor for arthritis, cognitive decline, heart disease

2. 💊 Supplements & Medications

• 🦴 Ask your vet about glucosamine, omega-3s, or liver/kidney support
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet for medication adjustments and chronic care support

🧬 Health Risks Common in Small Dogs

• 🦷 Dental disease (crowded teeth)
• 🫁 Collapsing trachea (honking cough)
• 🧠 Hydrocephalus, syringomyelia (in toy breeds)
• 🦴 Luxating patellas (kneecap slippage)

Early detection and tailored care are key. Use Ask A Vet for breed-specific monitoring advice. 🩺

📅 Wellness Schedule by Life Stage

🎯 Exercise Tips for Small Dogs

• 🧠 Focus on short, frequent walks (10–20 minutes)
• 🎾 Indoor fetch or puzzle feeders for mental exercise
• 🛑 Avoid rough terrain or high jumping

📱 When to Use Ask A Vet

• 📉 Appetite, weight, or mobility changes
• 🩺 Dental or medication questions
• 😬 Anxiety, age-related behavior, or chronic condition support

✅ Final Thoughts: Small Dog, Big Health Wins

Small dogs are loving, long-lived, and rewarding companions—but they require specialized care at every stage of life. With proactive wellness and real-time help from Ask A Vet, your small dog can live a long, healthy, and happy life. 🐶🧠

Quick Recap:

• 🦷 Focus on dental, joint, and behavioral health
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet for expert care anytime

Need personalized help? Visit AskAVet.com. 🐾