Small dog syndrome proving a problem
More and more small breeds of dogs with 'small dog syndrome' are being handed in to Battersea Dogs and Cat Home having been "mollycoddled" by their owners.
A recent report revealed that Battersea has sean a 40 per cent increase in the number of 'handbag' dogs coming through its door this year, with Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas proving the most frequently handed in.
Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Welfare Training explains: “Small dogs have become very popular and fashionable in recent years and sadly Battersea sees the repercussions of people taking on these dogs with little thought of how to care for them. They may be small but they are still dogs, and sadly people treat them like babies or accessories without letting them behave as dogs should.”
Yorkie Princess Tamara is one of Battersea’s current residents who came into the Home as her owner could also no longer care for her. The four year old miniature Yorkie arrived with her very own carrier filled with a variety of outfits including a fur Gillett and a pink ‘Spoiled but not rotten’ t-shirt. Although the little princess was loved in her previous home, she had developed handling and stranger issues because she was babied and carried around.
Battersea is now advising owners of small dogs to treat their pet as a dog and not a fashion accessory.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
