
Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
Taking care of any dog can be rewarding and fun. But there
is a great deal of responsibility as well. Small dogs can
require more attention from their owners, they cannot be left
alone for more than a day, and they may have health problems as
they age. Smaller dogs also do not require as much exercise as
other breeds. Small dog breeds such as the poodle, maltese,
shiz tu, and bichon frise are considered hypoallergenic because
they do not shed as much as other breeds and they produce less
dander.
Small dog breeds want to spend a lot of
time with their owners. This may mean being in the same room,
sitting on your lap, or being next to your bed at night.
Depending on your dog’s personality, you may need to adjust
your schedule in order to spend more time at home with your
dog. As your dog ages, it may need less attention, but as a
rule, small dogs will demand a lot more of your time than
larger breeds.
You will have to keep your dog occupied with toys and games so
that it does not get bored. Some small dogs enjoy completing
tasks and are considered ‘working dogs.’ If you notice that
your dog seems lethargic or does not want to play with their
toys anymore, you may need to buy them some new ones. Playing
fetch everyday mimics a task which will keep your dog
happy.
When you need to travel, you should board your dog so that it
will not feel lonely. Dogs that are left alone for a few days
will usually not eat their food in order to conserve it. They
may become angry or nervous and destroy your home or they may
make themselves sick with worry. If you do not want to board
your dog, you should have someone pet sit or at least check in
on the dog everyday.
As small dogs age, they may be susceptible to many health
problems. Because of their small frame, they may suffer broken
or fractured bones, arthritis, and other motor skill problems.
Loss of eye sight, sense of smell, and hair loss are also
common. While these breeds tend to live fifteen to eighteen
years on average, they may have health problems for a few
years.
If you are looking for a dog to run with on the beach or take
for long walks, then you may need to look elsewhere for a dog.
Small breeds, even though they love to run, play, and jump, do
not need as much exercise. Walking the dog around the block is
enough as the dogs will become tired and agitated. Some small
breeders such as the terrier can walk and run for a little
while longer, but they still do not have to energy that larger
breeds have.
When looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you should consider your
lifestyle and what you want from a pet. If you want to walk
your dog short distances each day and play fetch, then a small
breed may be for you.
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