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Small Breed Information

Please note... The guidelines and suggestions presented on this page are by no means medical opinion or veterinary advice and should not be regarded as such. Always consult your veterinarian for professional medical advice. This page is intended as an educational resource based on personal experience and research only. Please contact your vet IMMEDIATELY in any emergency situation or for any serious condition or injury.

Small dogs are more prone to certain conditions throughout the breeds. Here is some information that guardians of small dogs may find helpful in learning about their dog and certain behaviors or conditions common to small breeds.

Paroxysmal Respiration or "The Reverse Sneeze"
This is a condition very common in brachycephalic breeds and small dogs. Paroxysmal respiration, which is the medical term or what is commonly known as reverse sneezing is when a dog seems to be sneezing, but in reverse. The episode seems as if the dog is sucking in or honking and it lasts between a few seconds or a few minutes. To us, it appears that the dog is uncomfortable, but it is a common condition in small and brachycephalic breeds and the dogs return to their normal state when the episode is over. Some feel that massaging the neck and throat area help to stop an attack. In the "Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine" by Ettinger and Feldman, swallowing will stop reverse sneezing. According to their book, reverse sneezing can also be controlled by massaging the pharyngeal area or by briefly closing the dog's nostrils. Some people say that their dogs respond to rubbing of the upper neck area when experiencing an attack or episode. According to Dr. Mike Richards, DVM "Reverse sneezing is a problem of the pharyngeal region." Though there is no definite known cause of it, some have reported that it occurs with allergies, when dogs become overexcited or overheated, and some experts say that it is common when dogs suffer from tracheal collapse (another condition, common in small and brachycephalic breeds). Read the excerpt below on "Reverse Sneezing"
from The Dachshund Network

"This is a misnomer, for it has nothing to do with actual sneezing. However, it is a popular term for something that appears to be worse than it actually is. When this occurs, your dog will appear to be snorting or choking. The posture will be one of the neck extended with the chest expanded, as the dog struggles to take in air. The actual physiology is that the trachea has narrowed and the normal amount of air is not able to enter the lungs. The triggering mechanisms are usually excitement or stress. If this is happening to your dog, do not panic. You can help your dog by soothingly stroking the upper throat area to encourage relaxation and dilation of the trachea. If things do not resolve soon, and the dog is really having a continued hard time, you can try depressing the tongue to open up the oral cavity for the passage of much needed air into the lungs. The predisposition to this is thought to be hereditary, particularly in smaller breeds because of the decreased diameter of their tracheas. If your dog occasionally has this, do not worry that you need to be there to help each time it happens. A dog is able to come out of an attack of reverse sneezing without help and will not suffer permanent damage. Contributed by Barbara Moore's Veterinarian"

More Links on:
Paroxysmal Respiration/Reverse Sneezing

Anal Gland Problems
The anal glands are located inside a dog's anus on either side of the anus. These glands secrete a discharge that should naturally be excreted when our doggies go "number 2". They can also be excreted when a dog is nervous or excited and can be recognized by a"fishy" smell. Because of the domestication of dogs, many things do not occur "naturally" as they would were the dog in nature, and the anal glands are such a case. Domesticated dogs, and especially small dogs, are more prone to problems with normal anal sac drainage. Because of this, small dogs may get impacted anal glands that are full and need to be emptied occassionally by their guardian or vet. The indication that this needs to be done, is that a dog will "scoot" or drag their rear end on your favorite carpet or comforter and the fishy smell will permeate the area. If you think your dog has this problem, read here to find out more about the anal sacs, how to clean them, where they are located and to get a lovely visual on them.

Respiratory Problems
Brachycephalic breeds are prone to breathing problems because of the structure of the breed. Their short nose, trachea and breathing structures contribute to these problems and in poor breeding practices these conditions are more common. For a wonderful summary and information on the needs and information that guardians of brachycephalic breeds should have, see The Pet Health Library.

Luxating Patella and Hip Dysplasia
Luxating Patella or whatcan be described as a dislocating kneecap and Hip Dysplasia which is an "abnormal formation" of the joint. I could not do justice to explain these conditions to the extent that an expert could and therefore refer those of you interested in learning about these conditions to the following sources:
Luxating Patella
Hip Dysplasia

Itching
Skin problems are common in many small dogs such as bulldogs, cocker spaniels, pugs and other breeds. Itching can occur for a variety of reasons. Diet, allergies, parasites, infection or bacteria, you name it. Because of the many causes of itching, it is difficult to pinpoint and treat at times. Common treatments include changing of food, oral or topical medication and holistic treatments. For more on itching see: The Pet Center: Itching and for some holistic treatment options you may want to find out more about Dr. Goodpet's remedies or Homeopet remedies.

This page is still under construction...more to come soon!!!