• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Watch for 5 common small dog health conditions

Posted February 3, 2021

Veterinarian examines Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Tracheal collapse, heart disease, patellar luxation, heart disease, pancreatitis, and ectropion are common small dog health conditions.
Tracheal collapse, heart disease, patellar luxation, heart disease, pancreatitis, and ectropion are common small dog health conditions.

If you have just decided to adopt a dog, you have probably done your research. What toys are right for puppies, how you should feed them, or the breed’s characteristics might be some of the topics you have gathered information on. When adopting pets, it is important to acknowledge that they too get old, have diseases or health issues. Being prepared for everything that follows in your life with a dog (or more!) is essential, especially if you opt to adopt a smaller dog, you need to be alert to the warning signs of small dog health conditions.

Depending on the breed and size, there are different canine health issues your dog might have. Small dogs are predisposed to some illnesses, compared with big dogs. Popular small breeds like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Yorkies, or Boston Terriers need extra care to protect them from potentially debilitating illnesses.

So, be prepared and learn about five common small dog health conditions.

Veterinarian listens to a pomeranian's heart. Heart disease is one of the most common illnesses small dogs experience.
Heart disease is one of the most common illnesses small dogs experience.

1. Tracheal collapse 

Tracheal collapse is a common illness in small dogs, especially Pugs or French Bulldogs. This is because they have a flat muzzle, which in time can cause serious problems for your dog. Tracheal collapse occurs over time, and it may be noticeable in older dogs. However, this illness can also appear in younger dogs, especially when they live in a house where owners smoke a lot. 

Unfortunately, tracheal collapse does not have any prevention methods and is an illness that comes with age. If you hear your dog wheezing and struggling with breathing, it may be a tracheal collapse that causes them. Ask your veterinarian for help and support. You will probably need to keep your dog on medication and change his diet. 

2. Heart disease 

Heart disease is one of the most common illnesses small dogs experience. It is usually caused by a malfunction of a valve that connects different chambers of the heart. Sometimes, this malfunction can be caused or worsened by dental disease. How are these two connected? If there is a lot of tartar on your dog’s teeth, the bacteria from the mouth enters the bloodstream and affects the valve’s functioning. 

If you notice your dog has difficulty breathing, coughing, is intolerant to exercise, and has trouble moving around, you need to ask a veterinarian for help. One thing to consider is to pay attention to how your dog is feeling, especially as he gets older. Heart disease can be fatal if you do not take action. 

small dogs are more prone to experiencing patellar luxation.” src=”https://dogsbestlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/small-dog-health-conditions-patella-scaled.jpeg” alt=”Veterinarian examines and treats Westie’s leg. All dog breeds and sizes are predisposed to having problems with their joints or bones as they get old. But small dogs are more prone to experiencing patellar luxation.” width=”700″ height=”467″/> All dog breeds and sizes are predisposed to having problems with their joints or bones as they get old. But small dogs are more prone to experiencing patellar luxation.

3. Patellar luxation 

All dog breeds and sizes are predisposed to having problems with their joints or bones as they get old. But small dogs are more prone to experiencing patellar luxation. For example, small breeds such as poodles, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, or terriers may be among the most affected. But what does patellar luxation or luxating patella mean?

It is an orthopedic condition that usually appears when dogs luxate their knee, and the kneecap is dislocated. This might cause pain for the dog, as he will not be able to use his paw. If you notice that your dog has trouble moving, avoids using one of his paws, and is hobbling, then you should go to a veterinarian. 

Even though sometimes patellar luxation is not serious, in other cases, it can require surgery. 

4. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an illness that is common both in dogs and humans. Dogs, too, suffer from pancreatitis, and it is a painful disease for all of them. Small breeds are predisposed to this illness. How can you tell if your dog has an inflammation of the pancreas? If he has difficulty eating, is vomiting, and is in pain, you need to contact a veterinarian. 

A wide variety of factors can cause the inflammation of the pancreas. If you give your dog food scraps or foods rich in fats, these can lead to pancreatitis. However, pancreatitis can also be caused by medication or other genetic factors. 

5. Ectropion 

Ectropion is one of the illnesses that affect small dogs. It is similar to tracheal collapse in the sense that it affects dogs with flattened muzzles. Ectropion, however, is an eyelid illness that causes the lower eyelid to be droopy. This exposes the tissues of the eyes, which in turn may lead to conjunctivitis. If this illness is not treated, it may even lead to corneal inflammation, which is very painful. 

Ectropion causes are diverse, especially because this illness can appear in any dog breed or size. And most of the time, there are genetic predispositions or inherited traits that lead to ectropion. 

Small dog health conditions

Dogs bring you happiness, joy, and enthusiasm. However, dogs also get old, which is when they are most predisposed to getting sick. Tracheal collapse, heart disease, patellar luxation, heart disease, pancreatitis, and ectropion are the most common small dog health conditions. Identifying the symptoms and asking your veterinarian for help is mandatory in each of these cases so you can extend your dog’s life. 

Jessica Chapman is a writing editor from Chicago who frequently collaborates with the best essay writing service uk. She is into sports and politics and enjoys traveling. Contact Jessica on Facebook.

Warning signs: 9 dog illness symptoms and what they mean

 

Related Posts

  • toy breeds
    Toy breeds: Handle with care

    Toy breeds are more prone to injury and illness due…

  • Small dogs like this sleepy Yorkie are prone to exhibiting Napoleon Complex is they aren't trained properly.
    Don't let your small dog exhibit "The Napoleon Complex"

    Napoleon Complex: Small dogs without training and appropriate boundaries try…

  • Dog breed size illustration from smallest - Chihuahua to largest - Great Dane
    Small, medium or large: Which size dog is right for you?

    When it comes to choosing, dog breed size matters. You'll…

  • Collage of big dog breeds. Image for Dog Breed Category page.
    Survey says: Big dog breeds more popular than small pups

    Popular big dog breeds include Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health Tagged With: Health conditions, Small dogs

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Potty trainingService dogsWaterYorkshire terrierOutdoor activitiesWorking dogsPuppy kindergartenRescue dogVacation dog careRottweilerTwo dogsPandemicPet sitterPomeranianPetfinder.comPet parentsSmall dogsThanksgivingtraining tipsSheddingTicksSeparation anxietyPuppy-proofOld dogsPit bullPoodlePawSocializationVeterinarianValentine's Day

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?
    Dogs can cause serious injuries. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding dog bite compensation laws. […]
  • What is canine pyometra? Understand causes, symptoms, treatment
    Canine pyometra is a serious uterine infection that affects around one in four unspayed female dogs. Spaying provides the best protection. […]
  • Can dogs eat potatoes? Are starchy vegetables safe for dogs?
    Can dogs eat potatoes? Keep your dog healthy by occasionally adding potatoes to its diet. Before changing your dog's diet, consult your vet. […]
  • Does my dog have Addison’s Disease? Understand symptoms, treatment
    Early detection and treatment are essential for canine Addison's Disease. With quick action, most dogs will make a full recovery. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.