How to Prepare Your Home for a Small Breed Dog

It’s always exciting to welcome a new member of the family, especially dogs. A lot of people have smaller apartments and houses and don’t have enough space for bigger breeds. There are, however, smaller ones that can fit in no matter the space.

Some of the most popular ones are Miniature Pinscher, Maltese, Chihuahua, Pug, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Basenji and many more. They’re great travel partners and absolutely amazing to cuddle with. But to have a small dog breed into your home, you have to first prepare the house so the pup is comfortable, and most importantly, safe.

Buy Dog Stairs

Once it’s in the house, the dog may have trouble getting in and out of bed or climbing stairs. Small dog breeds are shorter, have smaller legs and often don’t have the physical strength to jump high. To provide a stable and safe environment for your pup, you should invest in a high-quality, sturdy dog ramp for stairs as one of the best solutions to give your dog access to the whole house.

One thing to consider is the material the stairs are made of. Wood is a common choice and a very durable material. It’s sturdy enough to not tip over and will last for a long time. However, wood can get damaged from the dog’s nails if they’re too big or if it gets wet (which is not very likely). For small dogs you don’t have to buy hardwood stairs, you can go for softwood ones like pine.

High-density foam is another material choice. It’s robust, lightweight, easy to move and soft enough for smaller dogs. It’s also good for small breeds because it can’t handle a lot of weight. If you notice that the stairs are wearing down and aren’t stable anymore, replace them as soon as possible. Carpeted steps are also a good option because they’re non-slip and easy to clean and maintain.

The non-slip surface is very important because small breeds are often clumsy and rush everywhere. If they slip off the stairs, they might injure themselves. Make sure the stairs are wide enough. Smaller dogs usually don’t need more than 35 cm of width. Also, the step’s height shouldn’t be too big. Small dogs don’t have the power to climb very high so make it easy on them. If you can’t decide, take your dog to the pet store and see which ones are most comfortable to climb.

If stairs are too much for your dog, then consider buying a dog ramp for stairs. Ramps don’t have steps and can be easy to climb. You can use them on the bed too, or other high surfaces the dog can’t reach and explore. Most of them are foldable and lightweight, despite being made from heavy-duty materials like aluminium, so you can take them with you anywhere you go.

Get a Smaller Dog Bed

Buying a bed for your small dog doesn’t have to be complicated. You should consider the size, durability, level of comfort and style. Size is the most important factor. It will determine the dog’s comfort and health. Before buying the bed, make sure you measure the dog. Start from the nose and go all the way down to the tail. Add a few more centimetres to this measurement so there’s enough wiggle room.

Dogs sleep in different positions. Sometimes they’re stretched and sometimes they’re curled. In any case, the dog should have enough room to stretch and move. If it’s too big, it won’t be as warm or comfortable. If it’s too small, the dog will feel cramped. This can lead to joint or muscle pain. There are beds specialised for small dog breeds, like the donut design, so don’t skip that section at the shop.

The support and comfort shouldn’t be limited to the dog ramp for stairs, the bed should be stable and comfortable as well. Small breeds often have problems with their joints and muscles so it’s important to provide them with enough support. Memory foam and orthopaedic beds are the best choices. These materials are supportive, will adjust to the dog’s body shape and give it a good night’s sleep.

To keep the bed as hygienic as possible, make sure it’s easy to clean, preferably machine washable. Smaller dogs are prone to accidents and spills so removable covers are a big plus. This makes your life easier and the dog’s life much safer. When it comes to style and design, the options are endless. Hundreds of colours, patterns, textures and fabrics that can match the interior of your house.

Dog-Proof the Space

Another important thing to do is to dog-proof your home. Pups are curious and can easily get hurt. First of all, choose from the wide variety of dog ramps and buy one. This will prevent a lot of accidents. To keep them as safe as possible, remove any choking hazards and toxic cleaning products within its reach. Don’t forget to also store coins, pins, paper clips and other small objects where it can’t reach them.

Dog-friendly bins can be of help. They’ll save you from cleaning trash from the floor. If you have house plants on the floor, elevate them because the dog will try to attack them for sure. Store your shoes away in a cabinet and never leave laces hanging around. Pick up the cables as well. Doing these things can save you a lot of trouble.

Get Enough Dog Supplies

Owning a dog, especially a smaller breed, requires a lot of supplies. This includes food, cleaning and bath products, toys and much more. Go to the store and fill the cart with food. This is something the dog uses every day, multiple times a day, so you’ll need a lot of it. Buy versatile foods allowed for your breed and don’t experiment a lot. You can even find a nice subscription and get the food delivered to your doorstep.

You’ll also need potty pads until the dog gets its bathroom habits right. Some cleaning supplies that are odour-free will help you get rid of the urine smell. Disinfectants can also work. For bath time, get a few highly absorbent towels, the proper dog shampoo depending on the dog’s breed and coat, wipes, conditioner if needed, some brushes and combs, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Last but not least, to successfully prevent your sofa, chairs and curtains from getting chewed on, buy your dog enough toys. Something playful, interesting, fun and colourful. Test to see what it likes the most and keep to that choice. Overall, caring for a small dog breed isn’t complicated if you do it right.