Pick a specific day of each month to give your pets their heartworm medication and flea and tick prevention. For instance, the 20th of each month.

If you are not using the services of a dog groomer on a regular basis, please consider the following :

1. First inspection your dogs ears under excellent lighting conditions, maybe even with a flashlight. If you detect a reddish brown substance you will want to contact your vet. Your dog may have ear mites, a bacterial or yeast infection. In some instances your dog's ear(s) might be festering with all three. A quick look under the microscope by your vet will help determine if there is a problem. If you notice your dog shaking its hard or scratching often, you may want to contact your vet. Ear infection if left untreated can lead to deafness and other health problems.
2. Next check your dog's nail and paws. Do the nails need to be trimmed? Long nails can catch on fabrics and split as a result.
3. Many little dog breeds need to have their anal glands expressed manually. Most groomers will do this as part of the grooming ritual. Some little dogs need to have their anal glands expressed manually from the inside, due to excess weight or because the duct is twisted. One sign that indict that something is wrong is their tail drops and they walk in a stiff manner. Your vet can teach you how to do the procedure. All you need is disposable latex gloves.
4. Check the teeth and gums once a month for plaque build up, swollen or red gums, and excessively bad breath. Many small breeds require dental cleanings more than once in their lifetime.

If you have questions about how a specific breed might work in your home? Just ask Little Angels Rescue for advice. We are dedicated to finding the right small dog for you. Some of our small dogs may not be listed immediately on our Petfinder web site for various reason. Also, be sure to check the site often for new listings.