We get it! Tiny dogs are adorable! But the term “teacup dog” is usually a red flag that indicates irresponsible breeding practices. Thankfully, you can get a dog that stays small without compromising on health or longevity.

People want small dogs for many reasons. In cities, tiny dogs are perfect for apartment living (your landlord may even have weight limits for dogs) and carrying on public transit. If you fly a lot, a small dog can ride in a bag under the seat. Some hikers prefer small dogs because they are easy to carry if they get tired or hurt. And of course, there is the age-old reason of just wanting a warm little dog to curl up in your lap and cuddle.

Small Dog Breeds

Most dogs who will stay small even as adults come from the toy breeds. The “toy group” is a grouping of breeds that were developed to be small, friendly companions. Many terriers are also petite, but these dogs tend to have a lot more attitude and energy.

Exact weight ranges can vary by breed or mix, sex, and the individual, but breeds and mixes of breeds in the toy group all weigh under 20 pounds, and many weigh far less. We get predictability in size thanks to the efforts of breeders over the centuries who came together to develop and follow the breed standard that acts as a blueprint for each breed.

You can occasionally get outliers who grow larger than their brethren, but this is uncommon when getting a puppy from a breeder who adheres to the breed standard. Mixed breed dogs will of course be more varied than purebred dogs, but if both parents are small, their puppies should be as well.

Toy or Teacup?

All teacup dogs are toys, but not all toy dogs are teacups.

“Teacup dog” is a marketing term that refers to a dog that is unusually small, sometimes so small that it could maybe fit into a teacup. Often this means the dog will weigh less than 5 pounds or so as an adult, but the term has been applied to members of larger who breeds who are just smaller than most of their relatives.

There are no teacup breeds, just individual dogs within breeds that can be considered teacup varieties. For example, a teacup Chihuahua is just an extra-small Chihuahua, not a separate breed.

Some toy breeds that are commonly caught up in the teacup fad include the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian, Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Why Teacup Dogs Are Bad

Teacup dogs aren’t inherently bad. The problem is that whenever humans latch onto a specific marketing term, we tend to hyper fixate. All it takes is one celebrity posting a photo of their teeny tiny dog, and suddenly everyone wants one. And, of course, some people jump in to try to make a quick buck breeding these tiny canines.

Breeding happy, healthy dogs is much more complex than just putting two dogs in a room together. Many behavior traits, characteristics, and health factors are controlled by recessive genes that are not obvious to the naked eye. Dogs who appear perfectly healthy could be carrying genes for serious health problems that doom their puppies. It is our responsibility when considering breeding dogs to collect as much information as we can about each individual dog and their relatives to get a more complete picture of the genes that dog might carry and the risks those genes might bring.

Many toy breeds are already predisposed to certain health problems, and it is very easy to make those issues worse if a breeder is only making breeding decisions based on size.

Problems common with toy breed dogs include:

• Luxating patella
• Collapsing trachea
• Portosystemic shunts
• Open fontanelle (literally a hole in the skull that leaves the brain unprotected)
• Legg Calve Perthes Disease
• Mitral valve disease
• Pancreatitis
• Periodontal disease
• Hypoglycemia

Every person breeding toy breed dogs, including mixes, should be aware of these issues and know of the prevalence in their lines. Some of these problems can even be tested for. In Pomeranians, it is recommended that all breeding prospects receive evaluations from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for their hearts, patellae, eyes, thyroid levels, hips, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

You can find out what health testing is recommended for your breed on the OFA website thanks to the Canine Health Information Center. If considering a mixed-breed puppy, look up all the breeds that are involved with the litter. Tests that are recommended for multiple breeds are the most important for these mixed-breed litters.

People breeding teacup dogs often do little to no health testing. Doing this generation after generation can quickly increase the frequency of health problems within a line or gene pool. These disorders can cause pain and distress for your dog, are costly to treat, and can even be fatal.

Temperament of Tiny Dogs

Temperament and socialization can also suffer when a person is fixated on producing the tiniest puppies possible. If one or both parents are shy or aggressive, the puppies are likely to share those flaws. And while a ferocious Pomeranian may be cute, it isn’t much fun to live with and can make veterinary care challenging.

Puppies need to be safely exposed to a variety of surfaces, smells, people, animals, and experiences while they are young and impressionable. Most toy breed dogs do not go to their new homes until at least 12 weeks of age, so it is critical that the breeder has a plan to provide their puppies with safe experiences to prepare them for the rest of their lives.

If you are considering a “teacup” puppy, ask the breeder for a detailed description of their socialization protocol. Breeders passionate about the wellbeing of their dogs will have an answer, while those who are just taking advantage of the fad likely will not.

Tiny Dog = Big Care

Thanks to their diminutive size, teacup dogs are extremely fragile and require extra day-to-day care compared to larger dogs.

Their tiny bones are extremely fragile, and teacup dogs can experience fractures from simple activities like jumping off a couch, being dropped by a person, or getting caught in a door. They are also vulnerable to being stepped on or sat on by humans or other pets.

Toy and teacup dogs alike are prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Puppies require at least three meals a day, often four to five to ensure adequate blood sugar levels. Even in adulthood a teacup dog may require small frequent meals to stay healthy.

Tiny dogs are also vulnerable to hypothermia because of their small size and increased surface area compared to body mass. Puppies and adults alike require access to warm blankets and coats and may need to use a pee pad rather than walking outside in the winter.

How Long Do Teacup Dogs Live?

Lifespan varies by breed, but toy breed dogs routinely live into their mid or upper teens. Unfortunately, the health problems and fragility of teacup dogs can shorten this time by several years.

There are no guarantees, but purchasing a puppy from a knowledgeable breeder who does health testing and can tell you the health and longevity of a litter’s ancestors gives you the best chance at a healthy puppy.

Dogs can develop congestion just like humans do, resulting in snuffling, snorting, and loud breathing. Dog congestion has many potential causes, and treatment will depend on what sort of infection or illness your dog has.

Symptoms of Dog Congestion

• Loud, wet sounds when breathing through the nose
• Snorting
• Snoring
• Sneezing
• Discharge from the nose
• Coughing
• Open-mouth breathing

In severe cases, your dog may gag or even vomit after heavy coughing fits, and he may also have difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.

Should I Panic if My Dog Is Congested?

Most cases of dog congestion are mild and will resolve on their own. If your dog sounds congested but seems otherwise fine, you can monitor him at home for one to two days.

Here are some things you can do to support your dog’s health:

• Encourage rest. Less activity means less strain on his inflamed and irritated airways.
• Increase humidity. Break out your humidifier if you have one or keep your dog in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam will help to clear his airways and relieve congestion. Ideally your dog should be in a steamy room for 5 to 10 minutes at least once a day.
• Encourage hydration. Be sure your dog has plenty of fresh, clean water available and that he is drinking.
• Provide good nutrition. A complete and balanced diet will help to support your dog’s whole body and health.
• Clean his nose as needed. Crusts and discharge can be wiped from the nose with a warm damp cloth. This will both help your dog feel better and clear his external nostrils.

If your dog has other symptoms of illness or doesn’t improve within 48 hours, it’s time to call your vet.

Why Dogs Get Congested

Many things can cause congestion in dogs:

• Upper respiratory infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
• Allergies
• Foreign body stuck in the nasal passages
• Chronic heart failure
• Heartworms
• Tumor within the respiratory tract

Brachycephalic dogs with smooshed faces, obese dogs, unvaccinated dogs, and dogs living in crowded conditions have the highest risk of developing congestion.

Your veterinarian will determine the cause of your dog’s congestion based on his symptoms and lifestyle. A dog with a dry, honking cough probably has the upper respiratory infection called kennel cough, which can be caused by viruses or bacteria. If your dog sounds congested and is reverse sneezing plus has reddish eyes and paws, he may have allergies.

Treatment will vary by the case. For mild congestion that hasn’t responded to home care, your vet may prescribe a short course of steroid or anti-inflammatory medication to give your dog relief. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections require either antiviral medications or just supportive care. If the congestion is caused by something stuck in your dog’s nose, removing the offending object will resolve the issue.

Most dogs will experience congestion at some time in their lives. To minimize your dog’s risk, keep him at a healthy weight and up to date on his vaccinations and heartworm preventive medications. Vaccines are especially important if your dog goes to doggy daycare, boarding kennels, dog training classes, or dog shows.

Bug bites on dogs can be just as irritating as they are on humans! Whether fleas, black flies, ticks, or any other biting bug, your dog may experience pain, itchiness, and inflammation. Many bug bites resolve on their own, but some may require treatment.

What Do Flea and Tick Bites Look Like on Dogs?

It isn’t always possible to identify which type of bug bit your dog from the bite alone, as the bites from many different bugs often look similar. The appearance and location of the bite itself as well as considering the time of year and your dog’s recent activities can give you some clues to narrow down the suspect.

Flea bites on dogs generally appear as tiny red dots on the skin. The bites hurt and are itchy. You may also see some fine, dark, gritty material on your skin. This is flea dirt, a combination of flea feces and blood. Flea bites can occur anywhere on the body, but your dog’s back end around his tail and haunches are a prime location. If your dog is one of the unlucky ones with flea allergy dermatitis, his skin will also be red and inflamed, severely itchy, and he will suffer hair loss over time until the fleas are addressed.

Tick bites on dogs generally look like a small red circle. Dogs usually do not get the same bullseye rash that humans do. The bites themselves don’t hurt, but the area may become itchy. Tick bites can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the dog’s head, ears, and neck.

Black fly bites on dogs generally look like a large reddish welt and may take on a bullseye appearance. The bites hurt and are extremely itchy. Black flies travel in swarms, so your dog will likely have multiple bites close together. These bites can occur anywhere on the body, but the belly, inner thighs, and inside of the ears are common sites.

Mosquito bites look like small bumps and are usually itchy. Some dogs just get small welts from mosquito bites, while others may have more dramatic swelling.

The bites from sarcoptic mange and demodex mites are too tiny to see, but over time these infestations cause hair loss and crusty, irritated skin.

Ant bites are usually small, raised, and kind of look like a pimple. Fire ants can cause an allergic reaction resulting in widespread hives, itchiness, and even difficulty breathing. This is more common if your dog receives many ant bites at once.

Bug Bite Treatment for Dogs

Most bites will resolve on their own and heal within a few days.

For painful bites, ice the area for 5 to 10 minutes. This numbs the skin, lessening pain and itchiness, and helps to reduce swelling. You can ice your dog’s bug-bite wounds several times a day. Wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth so it doesn’t stick to the skin.

If the bites are itchy, you can apply a small amount of hydrocortisone or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) ointment to the area. Do not let your dog lick these ointments. The ideal times to apply are right before giving your dog a meal or right before taking him on a walk so he is distracted.

Dog Severe Reaction to Bug Bites

If your dog is experiencing extreme pain or swelling, it’s time to call your vet. Difficulty breathing, lethargy, or collapse after receiving a bug bite is an emergency and requires immediate care.

Based on your dog’s symptoms, the number of bites, and which bug is the likely culprit, your vet will recommend coming in for an appointment or oral medications such as Benadryl or a dog-safe pain medication.

Flea and tick bites can be prevented by giving regular preventive medications, and there are dog-safe bug sprays that can help to deter black flies and mosquitoes. If your dog is sensitive to bug bites, keep him on preventives year-round and use dog-safe bug spray when going outside during black fly season.

About 80% of canine liver shunts are present at birth (congenital) and involve the portal vein. In utero, puppies have a vessel called the ductus venosus that shunts blood flow around the liver since it is not functioning pre-whelping. When a puppy is born, however, this vessel should collapse so normal canine anatomy takes over.

“Five out of every 1,000 dogs in the general population are born with an inherited liver shunt,” says Jerold S. Bell, DVM, of Tuft’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, in his paper “Exploring the Mysteries of Liver Shunts.”  Caught early on, however, puppies with a congenital portosystemic shunt can go on to have a normal life once the shunt is corrected. Note: These dogs should not be bred however, since there is a genetic component.

Shunts may occur within the liver (intrahepatic) or outside the liver (extrahepatic).  Secondary shunts can occur in older dogs due to cirrhosis with multiple small blood vessels interfering with the normal blood flow plan.

What Is a Liver Shunt in a Dog?

A liver shunt is an anatomic defect that directs blood flow from your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, including the pancreas, plus the spleen around the liver instead of through it. With the portal vein shunted off, the liver isn’t doing its normal functions of handling nutrients and filtering out toxins. You will often see the term “portosystemic shunt” used since the portal vein is usually the culprit.

The liver has multiple important functions in the body. With nutrients not being handled efficiently, puppies with liver shunts tend to be smaller than littermates. They are often less active as well. As toxins build up in the blood, neurologic signs are noted.

Signs of a Liver Shunt in a Dog

Dogs with liver shunts may circle, press their heads into corners and “be stuck,” act disoriented, and eventually progress to seizures. Some may show gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. Often clinical symptoms are seen after a high-protein meal due to the metabolites from protein.

Some dogs may form bladder stones and others will exhibit pica, which is a tendency to eat unusual items. Some breeds, ranging from Irish Wolfhounds to Yorkshire Terriers, have a genetic predisposition to portosystemic shunts.

Diagnosing a Portosystemic Shunt in Dogs

Diagnosing a portosystemic shunt may be easy or tricky. Bloodwork is often the first step. A complete blood count and a blood chemistry panel, combined with the physical exam and history, will often be diagnostic but not always.

Some dogs will have mild anemia and some abnormally small red blood cells. Low levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and albumin (a protein) are common. Liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are elevated. A urinalysis may show ammonium biurate crystals. Beyond the basic laboratory tests, the next step is often a bile acid test. Dogs with shunts tend to have increased bile acids.

For bile acid testing, two samples are required. The first is a fasting sample that gives your dog’s baseline for bile acids. A second sample is taken after your dog’s normal meal (usually breakfast). Bile acid numbers are expected to increase after a meal.

Imaging procedures are next. A plain X-ray may show a small liver. Ultrasound with contrast may illuminate abnormal blood flow pathways. CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays with dye can all help to pinpoint the location of the problem. Recent work out of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine using CT scans has helped to illustrate intrahepatic shunts, showing that in at least some cases, the shunts are between liver lobes, not located in liver tissue.

Caring for a Dog with a Liver Shunt

For mild liver shunts and true intrahepatic shunts, medical management may provide decent quality of life. These dogs need strict dietary management to minimize the toxin buildup. The goal for treatment is to decrease the production and absorption of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream.

If your dog shows signs of hepatic encephalopathy (neurologic signs), his dietary protein needs to be managed carefully. All dogs need protein in their diets, so severe restrictions are generally not recommended. High-quality protein that is highly digestible is ideal. Some dogs do better with dairy or plant-based proteins versus meat proteins.

Lactulose is often recommended to help decrease the absorption of ammonia and other toxins. This is a non-absorbable synthetic disaccharide that decreases transit time in the gut by acting as an osmotic laxative, meaning that digested nutrients move through the intestinal tract faster than normal. This could lead to diarrhea, so generally dosing starts at a very low level and is gradually increased so your dog’s gastrointestinal tract can adapt somewhat. Antibiotics may change the intestinal microbiome and help to reduce toxins as well.

Medical therapy may work for mild cases or for older dogs with cirrhosis who can’t handle surgery. In addition, for cases that are truly intrahepatic, it may be next to impossible to surgically correct the problem.

Surgery is the ideal treatment, particularly for extrahepatic shunts. The basic idea is to close the shunt, with accessory blood vessels picking up the load and delivering most of the blood to the liver instead of bypassing it. Very few dogs can handle an acute closure of the shunt. Portal hypertension can cause abdominal pain, endotoxic shock and even death.

Luckily newer surgical techniques using rings, bands, constrictors, or intravenous coils can all act to gradually close the shunt, allowing time for the underused vessels to replace it. These surgeries are usually referred to a board-certified veterinary surgeon.