Allergies and Small Dogs

There are clearly differences between different breeds of dogs, and different sizes of dogs. If you’re the owner of a small dog, it’s important to watch for allergies—especially as the spring and summer months are upon us.

Small dogs can show asthma-like reactions; it could be seasonal, such as allergies to something in the air, or something absorbed through their skin. No matter how energetic or aggressive they may appear, small dogs are still more fragile, and often more vulnerable, than their larger counterparts.

Here’s a helpful 90-second video from a veterinarian with a reminder of things to be aware of:

How to Treat Allergies in Small Dogs -- powered by ehow

Tips You Can Use at Home to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy

At Hubbard Pet Resort & Spa, we promise to treat your dog “like our own.” So what are some of the things we recommend you do at home, for the good of your dog?

1. Make sure they get regular exercise outdoors. If you don’t have a fenced yard where you can let them roam, take your dog for a walk around the block—the fresh air will strengthen their immune system, and you’ll help satisfy their need to explore. 

2. Give them plenty of fresh water—and keep their water bowl clean, preferably with a quick scrub and rinse every day. Dogs prefer cool water in the summer and room temperature water in the winter.

3. Brush your dog regularly to keep their coat healthy and clean. Daily is ideal, but at least a couple of times a week is important. You’ll remove loose hair and skin, and can check for ticks, fleas or other small pests that can cause big problems.

There are plenty of other things you can do, like making sure your dog visits the vet regularly. But these three simple steps will go a long way to making sure your dog stays happy and healthy, all year long.