Aussies In The Dog House When It Comes To Understanding Small Pups Needs

Australians are in love with small dogs, with more than 1.3 million households now owning a pint-size pooch. However, it seems that we don't always understand the special requirements that small dogs have. We treat them like a toy, we over-indulge them, we don't give them the nutrition that suits them – all of which can result in unhealthy and unmanageable pets.

Over the last five years, there has been a 4.2 per cent rise in the number of people who own small dogs1. This  growth has been put down to the increasing numbers of people who are living in high and medium density urban areas, which smaller dogs can tolerate well.

'Small dogs are still dogs, but some owners treat them like toys," says renowned animal behaviourist and Purina Ambassador, Dr Jo Righetti. 'They accept behaviour from a small dog that they would never tolerate in a big dog, such as jumping up on people or growling.

'Over-indulging your small dog can lead to -Small Dog Syndrome', where a dog can fail to obey commands, yap incessantly and behave in an overly possessive way, which can make living with them quite a handful."

It's important when you choose a small breed dog to understand their different needs and the care that goes with it, especially when it comes to their diet and behaviour.

From a nutritional perspective, small dogs have different needs than large canine friends. Small dogs have a much higher metabolic rate, meaning they need to consume more calories per kilo during meal time. Their mouths are smaller, so they need smaller sized dog biscuits or kibble which is easier for them to eat and still keeps their teeth clean. This is especially important for small dogs which tend to live longer than larger dogs and can develop severe dental problems if they are not looked after.

Petcare companies such as Purina are taking this into account and making pet food specially formulated for small dogs, such as PURINA ONE for Small Breeds.

All Australian made, PURINA ONE Small Breed Dog range has been specifically developed to meet the nutritional needs of smaller dogs. The range includes products for puppies and senior dogs, as well as healthy weight management, digestive and indoor specific products.

Purina's BIOLIFE formula has been created to support small dogs immunity, to take the guess work out for owners and to give their pooches the extra care they deserve.

Some hints and tips for owning a small dog

Just because your dog is little and cute doesn't mean it should get away with unwanted or annoying behaviour. Set rules and boundaries and ensure all family members stick to them. For instance:
Don't allow your dog on the counter or table for meals
Don't over-treat
Play with your dog regularly and allow your dog to play with others in an appropriate manner
Small dogs can benefit from obedience classes. Ask for commands to be obeyed, such as a 'Sit" before feeding them
If they dislike larger dogs, introduce them to ones that you know are friendly and gentle in a neutral location like the local dog park
 
Available at all available at all leading supermarkets, including Coles & Woolworths at a recommended retail price of $8.99

To sign up for a free trial of Purina One Small Breed, visit www.purinaone.com.au