Small dogs

Luxating patella

SignsSkipping gait with a hind leg held up, stretches the leg to pop it back, cries in pain

PreventionMats on hardwood floors. No jumping onto sofas. Prevent obesity. Do not make them stand on hind legs

Mitral valve disease

SignsCoughing at night or when excited, reluctance to exercise, rapid breathing, fainting. Common in middle-aged and older dogs

PreventionFrom age 6, yearly auscultation and heart ultrasound. Avoid salty treats and prevent obesity

Periodontal disease

SignsBad breath, tartar, red or bleeding gums, chewing on one side, sneezing or nosebleeds (roots reaching the nasal cavity)

PreventionDaily tooth brushing from puppyhood. Yearly dental check and scaling under anesthesia when needed

Tracheal collapse

SignsHonking, goose-like cough, worse with excitement or walks, tongue turns purple. Common in Chihuahuas and Pomeranians

PreventionUse a harness, not a collar. Prevent obesity. Avoid cigarette smoke and strong scents

Intervertebral disc disease

SignsCries when picked up, hunched back and reluctant to move, wobbly or paralyzed hind legs. Common in Dachshunds

PreventionPrevent obesity. Ramps for steps. Support chest and hips level when lifting. Non-slip flooring

Hypoglycemia

SignsWobbling, lethargy, seizures, cold body. Occurs in puppies and toy breeds that skip a meal

PreventionFeed puppies 3–4 times a day. Act within a few hours if they refuse food. Be especially careful during diarrhea

Fracture from a fall

PreventionHold them only while seated; set them down if they struggle. Ramps for sofas and beds

First aidKeep the leg still and do not let it dangle. Place in a towel-lined box and see a vet the same day

Luxating patella

PreventionMats on slippery floors. Do not let jumping become a habit. Weight control

First aidIf they favor the leg, do not force handling; keep them at rest. See a vet the same day even if it pops back on its own

Stepped on or pinched

PreventionWatch your feet when walking. Door stoppers. Put them in a cage when many people are around

First aidEven if they walk after yelping, internal bleeding is possible. Rest, watch breathing and gait, see a vet immediately if anything is off

Bite from a large dog

PreventionUse the small-dog area at dog parks. Do not pick them up when approaching other dogs

First aidEven a small wound may hide organ damage. Rinse under running water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and see a vet immediately

Pasteurellosis

RouteBites, scratches, mouth-to-mouth feeding

PreventionRinse wounds under running water right away. No mouth-to-mouth feeding or kissing. See a doctor if the wound swells

Rabies

RouteBite from an infected dog (Japan is rabies-free, but imported cases exist)

PreventionYearly vaccination is a legal requirement. If bitten by a dog abroad, see a doctor immediately

Dermatophytosis (ringworm)

RouteContact with the skin or fur of an infected dog

PreventionSee a vet if you spot circular hair loss. Wash hands after contact. Use separate bedding

Toxocariasis (dog roundworm)

RouteEggs in feces reach the mouth via hands or soil

PreventionClean up feces right away. Regular deworming. Be especially careful if the dog sleeps in your bed

Food

• Complete and balanced food for small breeds, 2–3 times a day
• Puppies and toy breeds: 3–4 meals a day to prevent hypoglycemia
• Small-kibble dry food with a good crunch is good for the teeth

Water

• Fresh water always available in several places
• Track water intake (about 50 ml per kg of body weight per day as a guide)

Toys & play

• Small plush toys and ropes that fit a small dog's mouth
• Puzzle toys to work the mind and prevent barking and boredom
• Avoid toys with buttons or plastic eyes (swallowing hazard)

Nest, bed & hideout

• A crate in a quiet spot where they can see the family
• They feel the cold, so use an enclosed dome-style bed

Bedding & litter

• Washable thick bed; blankets in winter
• Non-slip flooring (cork or rubber mats)
• Indoor toilet. Change pee pads every time

Cage / housing material

Steel crate or plastic pen

Size & space

Room to lie down, stand and turn around (about 60 cm deep)

Layout

• Crate against a wall, door facing the room
• Water in a bottle or a heavy bowl
• Mat on the floor so the feet do not slip

Placement notes

• Avoid direct sunlight, direct AC drafts and window sides
• Do not place it up high (fall risk)

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Twice a day, 20–30 minutes each. Indoor play can make up for it
• Use a harness to avoid strain on the neck
• In summer, touch the ground with your hand; if it is hot, skip the walk

Temperature & humidity

Temperature22–26°C. They feel the cold; do not let it drop below 20°C in winter

Humidity40–60%. High humidity causes skin disease and tear stains

Summer & winter

• Summer: early-morning and evening walks, cooling mat, AC on 24 hours
• Winter: clothing, blankets, heating. Low temperatures trigger hypoglycemia

Nail trimming

Every 2–3 weeks. Long nails cause slipping and luxation. Do not forget the dewclaws

Brushing, skin & coat care

Poodles daily, short coats twice a week. Mats lead to dermatitis. Grooming once a month

Other care

Brush teeth daily. Wipe tear stains daily with lukewarm water. Check ears once a week

Protection from predators

• Crows and birds of prey (never look away in the yard or on walks)
• Heartworm from mosquitoes (monthly preventive)
• Contact with large dogs (keep your distance rather than picking them up)

Foreign-body ingestion

Swallowing small objects such as hair ties, buttons, earrings, pills and fruit pits is common. In a small body even a little causes intestinal blockage or poisoning. Do not induce vomiting; see a vet immediately

Being stepped on

They cling to your feet, so being stepped on is the most common accident. Check your footing before walking and teach children not to run

Getting pinched

They get caught in doors, sliding doors, recliners and sofa gaps. Install door stoppers and gap covers

Falls

Fractures are common from being dropped while held or jumping off sofas and beds. Hold them while seated and use ramps for furniture

Escape

Small enough to slip through gaps. Gate at the entrance; fit an ID tag, license tag and microchip. If they escape, do not chase: call their name, crouch and wait

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving and say "drop it" in a calm, low voice
2. Gently pinch the scruff of the neck or pull the collar back
3. Distract with a treat or water
4. Once released, put the dog in a crate to calm down

After the release

Rinse the wound under running water for 10 minutes and apply pressure. Even small dogs bite deep. See a doctor if it swells

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Time of onset, time of last meal, photo of vomit, current medications. Also the exact body weight, since they are light

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Call their name and pinch the ear to check response
• Check breathing by chest movement (normal 20–30/min)
• Check pulse at the inner thigh (normal 90–140/min)

Stopping bleeding

• Press with clean gauze for 5 minutes or more
• Raise limbs above the heart
• Even a small blood loss is dangerous in a small dog; if it will not stop, see a vet immediately

Transport

• Place in a towel-lined box or carrier and keep warm
• If unconscious, extend the neck and pull the tongue out to keep the airway open