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Whether it’s your first dog or you’re a veteran animal lover, part of regular pet medical care is understanding your canine’s needs. If you’re a small breed dog owner, it’s important to be aware of the different health issues that can affect them and how routine trips to the veterinarian can monitor these conditions. Each specific type of dog is different, but to help your new pup thrive and grow, learn more about the health problems small breeds can develop.

Health Conditions Frequently Seen in Small Breed Dogs

1. Pancreatitis

While pancreatitis can impact any animal, it develops more frequently in small breed dogs and can pose more risks than it typically does. When pancreatitis occurs, the inflamed organ can cause your dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and experience severe abdominal pain. Due to their size, smaller breed dogs can become dehydrated faster than other canines, which is why regular pet medical care is needed for proper management and treatment. Your vet can help you keep an eye on risk factors for developing pancreatitis, which include obesity, infection, and metabolic disorders.

2. Hypoglycemia

pet medical careToy breeds are also susceptible to hypoglycemia, particularly between six and 12 weeks of age. This condition is when a quick drop occurs in your dog’s blood sugar, causing them to feel weak and lethargic, have difficulty walking, and experience tremors in the face. Even a small deviation in blood sugar can cause your dog to feel distressed. As part of routine pet medical care, your doctor will evaluate your dog for any signs of this condition and provide management techniques if it’s detected.  

3. Homeostasis Imbalance

Your tiny pup may also have a difficult time handling sudden temperature changes due to their small surface area. This means fluctuations—whether hot or cold—can cause them to develop homeostasis imbalance. If this occurs, your dog may show symptoms of excessive cold or heat exposure, which may include shivering, dehydration, and lethargy. Consider weather conditions when making plans to take your dog outside and prepare accordingly, with extra water or a layer of clothing.

 

If you’ve recently welcomed a new furry friend into the family and need a pet medical care provider, trust the professionals at Carolina Veterinary Hospital in Sanford, NC. For the last 40 years, pet owners have relied on the veterinarians at this hospital for checkups, health monitoring, emergency care, and surgery. To learn more about how these animal lovers can help you care for your dog, visit them online or call (919) 258-3349.

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