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Potty Training & Incontinence Help for Small Dogs

By: Gen Wright

Granted, small dogs may only make small messes. But you will pay the same carpet cleaning costs to do the room with urine stains whether it is made by a Chihuahua or a Doberman. Small dogs need the same potty training basics as any dog.

You might remember that their size might work against them in that their tiny bladders will not hold as much (or for as long) if you are late coming home for their expected potty break, especially if they experience problems like canine urinary incontinence. Like alldogs, your puppies are also susceptible to various diseases. Small dogs do not mind living in flats or homes without huge yards. They only need a little spot to do their business, so a flowerbed might be enough room. But the area has to be kept fastidiously clean and free from old dog feces. And you must maintain timelyroutines for walks or letting them out into the yard for their toilet needs.

Some people make fun of little dogs in their knit jumpers, but it is so much more than just a fashion statement for dogs. During the winter months in cold climates, the change from heated indoors to freezing outdoors is very hard on a small dogs body.

The sudden chill can also distract them from the potty business and cause them to run back inside. Once warm again, the urge hits and there is nowhere to go but on the rug. You can make this easier on your small dog by getting him a warm coatfor cold weather.

Your small dog may totally refuse to go outdoors in rain or cold, even with a sweater on. This can lead to your pet experiencing the symptoms of canine urinary incontinence, among other problems like bladder infections. One of the main indicatorsof urinary tract infection in dogs is canine urinary incontinence. Besides incontinence, other indicatorsof canine urinary infection may include frequent urination, straining to urinate without actually passing any urine and increased thirst. These collective indicators may be a result of another problem and only urinalysis and culture can confirmed the diagnosis.

You have to plan options for their hygiene, obedience training, nutrition and overall urinary and bowel wellness. Perhaps you can prepare a paper layered box in the garage as a optional potty during bad weather. Only use this for limited times during the year so that you do not discourage the dog from going outside to his normal potty spots.

If your small dog goes outdoors in a yard or in the park, be alert as to where he is walking to keep him awayfrom trouble. Keep your dog away from tall grass or bushes. While he is busy trying to sniff out the right spot, he is also easy prey for dangerous snakes in tall grass.

You also need to watch the urinary health of your dog if you want to stay on top of urinary problems in dogs.

Lovers of small dogs can become insensitive to their neighbors. Just because the feces is small, it is still dog poop. Pick it up or hose it off - your neighbor did not agree to a contract with you for that kind of grass fertilizer. And remember that dog urine will also damage small bushes and the patches of grass lawn that they tend to repeatedly urinate on.

Not to mention that dog poop on their shoes can not be obvious until it is already tracked onto their carpet. That will not win you an invitation to the neighbors next bar-b-q. It is your responsibility to clean up after your dog. Do not try to get out of it by saying that it is so small it does not matter. It clearly matters to anyone who does not own the dog or the poop.

Training for small dogs is the same as for large dogs. You can begin with crate potty training and frequent breaks until a routine is clear. It is vital though that you maintain perfect hygiene for them to prevent any urinary problems in dogs.

Bladder infection is more common in female dogs and affects the lower urinary tract. Despite the urinary tract is otherwise sterile, the urethral opening, through which urine is passed out, is the entry point for the bacteria. These bacteria cause urinary tract infection in dogs. Bladder infection can occur at any age and canine urinary tract infection in puppies is also a common occurrence.

Most of the lower urinary tract infections are simple to treat and dogs usually respond well to antibiotics. Bladder infection that does not respond to antibiotics necessitates further investigation. And your puppy may need to undergo an X-Ray of the bladder to test whether there is any formation of crystals, calculi or any indication of a tumor in the bladder.

When being potty trained, some small dogs can be temperamental because many are spoiled lap dogs. That is where the positive reinforcement of your praise and affection is even stronger - when it’s so important to your dog to please you.

If you continue to have problems potty training your small dog, it would be worth while getting it checked out, as the diagnosis of urinary tract infections is not complicated at all. A simple laboratory test of the urine and blood often determines its prevalence. The vet may suggest a urine culture to identify the pathogen that is causing the infection to be able to prescribe the most effective antibiotic.

Since dribbling and urination in undesignated places can cause a fair amount of frustration among owners, the first attempt to cure such a condition is a complete diagnoses followed up with treatment. Treatment modalities for bacterial bladder infection are different from what is required if the illness is due to some other condition and therefore consulting an expert is the best option.

Article Source: http://www.articleviral.com

Learn more about how to maintain your dogs peak health and prevent problems like canine urinary incontinence. These links take you to the natural remedies that are convenient to get and administer. Now be more confident about preventing future urinary problems in dogs like yours.

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