- Introduction
- History Of Australian Shepherds
- Mini Australian Shepherd Intelligence
- Health Conditions That Can Affect Mini Australian Shepherds
- Cognitive Health of Mini Aussies
- Stress in Mini Australian Shepherds
- Anxiety in Mini Australian Shepherds
- Mini Aussie Allergies
- Mini Australian Shepherd Gut Health
- Mini Australian Shepherd Eye Health
- Mini Australian Shepherd Ear Health
- Mini Australian Shepherd Immune Health
- Mini Aussie Joint Health
- Mini Aussie Skin and Coat Health
Introduction
There is nothing like a new canine addition to your household. Parents, grandparents, and children all love having a furry friend to spend time with, keep them company and take them out for a walk or run. Dogs bring in endless amounts of laughs, cuddles, and good memories when joining your family, especially Mini Australian Shepherd puppies or adults. Mini Australian Shepherds are adorable, loving dogs that take after small Australian Shepherds. These dogs are great for both working and spending time with your family, including children.
What is so great about Mini Australian Shepherds? Well, the small mini Australian size, to start, and that they’re smart, affectionate, beautiful, and easy to take care of, just to name a few things. One of the most beloved, special features of this breed is their small Mini Australian Shepherd size. In comparison to standard Australian Shepherds, the Mini Australian Shepherd's size is smaller, but they still have all the love and intelligence of their larger cousins. The Mini Australian Shepherd size being smaller allows these dogs to cuddle up in your bed and play beneath your furniture while also being able to herd and work just as well. This breed is ideal for both apartment living and roaming a large plot of land.
Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are very active dogs, so if you spend your days working around the house or going for a run after work, they are the perfect companions to bring along on these tasks. Being the perfect mix of friendly and protective, Mini Australian Shepherds are great dogs to make new friends with on a walk and to trust with keeping watch over your house when you’re gone. Despite the Mini Australian Shepherd size being smaller, they are still very trustworthy guard dogs.
Mini Aussie owners love the beautiful markings of this dog, which are typically white with tan points. These dogs can come in a variety of colors, including black, blue merle, red and red merle. All of these color combinations create a thick, eye-catching coat of fur.
Given the thickness of Mini Australian Shepherd coats, these are great dogs to take outside during the winter. Their built-in fur coats will allow them to run errands with you and visit the park in even the coldest months of the year. Despite having long hair, Mini Aussies are not known for excessive shedding, meaning you won’t have to take up too much extra cleaning in exchange for adding this new family member to your household. This is due to the Mini Australian Shepherd size being smaller than other dogs, producing less shedding.
Having another dog in your home won’t be a concern when adopting a Mini Australian Shepherd as they are great with other canine friends. Young children will also love your Mini Aussie just as much as the pup loves them. If you are looking for a furry companion to play with your other dogs or young children, a Mini Australian Shepherd's size and temperament make them the perfect fit. These dogs love nothing more than playing fetch, engaging in tug-of-war, and chasing each other around the yard, even when they are past the point of puppyhood.
Mini Aussies adapt easily, meaning you won’t have to worry about throwing them out of rhythm if you experience a move, begin living in a new climate, bring home a new baby or have a major work schedule change. They will easily evolve to any new setting or situation that they are living in.
Another unique Mini Australian Shepherd trait is how easy they are to train for any new or experienced dog owner. If you enjoy practicing agility with your dog, your Mini Aussie will take you right up on it. They are very active and especially agile, thanks to their small Mini Australian Shepherd size. They greatly enjoy making their owners proud and are very eager to please in everything that they do. This makes them ideal for being working dogs and herding cattle or even living in the city and practicing at your local dog park’s agility course. They are smart, active dogs that are up for any task you may put them to.
The Mini Australian Shepherd breed was developed through the reproduction of smaller-sized Australian Shepherds. Through this procreation, the Mini Australian Shepherd size breed was born and differentiated from standard Australian Shepherds. They are now pure-bred dogs of their own with plenty of personality and fun to offer. While all dogs may experience health problems, the Mini Australian Shepherd breed is relatively healthy and easy to take care of.
Both experienced and new dog owners alike can make a Mini Aussie a member of their family in no time, with little adjusting needed in order to care for this specific breed of dog. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults truly are the perfect package, with a fun and loving personality, active lifestyle, and adaptability for a variety of situations. It’s no wonder this dog has won its way into the hearts and homes of owners all over the country.
History Of Australian Shepherds
Though very popular and well-known across the country, Mini Aussies are a relatively new breed that was only introduced within the past few decades. Officially recognized in 1957 after the creation of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, Mini Australian Shepherds were registered as a breed with the National Stock Dog Registry. The current standards and description of Mini Australian Shepherds, which differentiates them as a unique breed from standard Australian Shepherds, were not finalized until as late as 1977.
The American Kennel Club was the last to recognize the Mini Australian Shepherd breed, which didn’t take place until 1993, though the breed was believed to have been created over 100 years before this.
Unfortunately, the creation story of Australian Shepherds isn’t as clear-cut as some other breeds, though we still have a general idea of where and how they originated. During the 1800s, settlers from all across Europe emigrated to the United States, bringing many types of herding dogs along with them, including the Australian Shepherd. Long before their migration to North America, Australian Shepherds were believed to have descended from larger, similar-looking herding dogs used by Spaniards in the 1500s. Upon their later arrival, Australian Shepherds were highly valued due to their herding abilities and skills with working on the land. Decades later, the Mini Australian Shepherd size was created through the reproduction of smaller, standard Australian Shepherds.
This smaller Mini Australian Shepherd size breed was ideal for both working on herding fields and serving as a household pet. In addition, the smaller Mini Australian Shepherd size made traveling to stock shows much easier. As time went on, the popularity and desire for this dog only grew.
One controversy that the Mini Australian Shepherd breed has faced is regarding their name. Some may call them Mini American Shepherds, while others stick to the traditional name for Mini Aussies. Some breed registries only recognize one name, while others recognize the other one. Nevertheless, Mini American Shepherds and Mini Australian Shepherds are the same dogs no matter what they are called. Mini Australian Shepherd is a more well-known and used name for this breed, which is why many may not recognize that Mini American Shepherds are in fact, the same dogs.
In 2016, Mini Australian Shepherds first made it onto the American Kennel Club’s “Most Popular Breeds’ list, where they moved up to spot number 34 by 2018, just two years later. This rise in love and demand for Mini Aussies comes not very long after their official breed registration, only mere decades earlier.
While getting Mini Australian Shepherds differentiated from standard Australian Shepherds may have taken some time to accomplish, it was overall successful in their evolution as a breed. They are now well recognized by people of different ages and backgrounds all over the country and have earned their way amongst some of the most popular breeds. Though over time, these dogs are still utilized for the same reasons that they were created for.
Some may perform working tasks such as herding, while others may be solely household pets, and a certain number may even serve as both working and household dogs. This unique breed has stuck true to its roots over the past decades.
Mini Australian Shepherd Intelligence
One of the qualities of Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults that owners love the most is their high intelligence levels. Given they originated as a herding dog, this breed is excellent in following commands and learning specific tasks that you may want them to do. Despite the small Mini Australian Shepherd size, they are excellent at doing work.
Deemed one of the most easily trainable breeds, Mini Aussies are so easy to teach based on how quickly they learn. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are great working dogs based on how smart they are and how easily they understand the task that you need them to do.
Being smart is a great quality of Mini Aussies, even outside of the work environment. Their high intelligence level makes them the perfect watchdog, knowing when and how to react to things in their environment. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults will typically alert you of potential threats, even if they may be a mailman who they don’t recognize.
Mini Aussies are also able to differentiate potential threats from welcomed guests, meaning they won’t go into high alert over a visitor who is welcomed into your home by your family. If an unwelcome stranger enters your home, Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are typically smart enough to know the difference between this and a friendly visitor and will react accordingly.
Another great thing about Mini Australian Shepherd puppies or adult dogs, is their willingness to please. This breed wants to do anything to make its owner happy, and they will find out the best ways to do so. If you want to teach a specific trick, this is the breed to do it with.
Health Conditions That Can Affect Mini Australian Shepherds
Unfortunately, no breed is exempt from possible health issues. With the small Mini Australian Shepherd size and intelligence levels, many dogs avoid specific health issues. Though Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are relatively healthy, here are some possible health problems to keep an eye out for.
Cognitive Health of Mini Aussies
The cognitive health of Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults is nearly impeccable due to their natural intelligence, social tendencies, and active energy levels. Though their cognitive health may be near perfect when in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and young dogs, this may not always be the case as they age.
Just like humans, Mini Aussies can show signs of cognitive impairment due to distinct changes in their brain functions as they grow older. This may result in memory loss and major behavior differences, all symptoms of something known as canine dementia.
This condition is caused by a build-up of plaque in the brain which is believed to be caused by an accumulation of abnormal types of protein. This can result in nerve damage, which causes a loss of brain function, loss of memory, impaired motor skills, and forgetting learned behaviors.
Canine dementia can be difficult to spot, given its slow onset, which makes symptoms difficult to notice or often written off as unrelated to one another. Oftentimes canine dementia overlaps with other age-related conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and kidney disorders, making it difficult to notice as a separate condition that your Mini Australian Shepherd may be facing.
No breed is known to be specifically prone to canine dementia, and the Mini Australian Shepherd size does not give them a predisposition to this condition. All dog breeds are equally at risk for developing this condition, though spayed females and all dogs over nine years old seem to be the most likely to experience canine dementia.
Canine dementia will have some impacts on the life of a Mini Aussie who is experiencing this condition. They may become confused or disoriented more often than they did before. Mini Australian Shepherds experiencing canine dementia may have a harder time finding toys or treats that they have dropped or even stop reacting to their favorite toys. These can all impact a Mini Aussies livelihood and how fulfilled they feel when dealing with this condition.
When faced with canine dementia, owners can help their Mini Australian Shepherd still live the best life possible. Ensuring your Mini Aussie still gets out and does the things that they love is the best way to make sure they are enjoying all that life has to offer.
There are unfortunately few ways to treat this condition, though diet has been linked to slowing the progression of canine dementia. Dog foods that have been specifically formulated for senior dogs include extra antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both shown to help improve brain function. This is a very promising way to help your Mini Australian Shepherd maintain normal brain function and fight off canine dementia as they age. Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements is also a good strategy to help prevent and slow the progression of canine dementia.
Since canine dementia has a later onset, it's a good idea to implement preventative measures from a young age into the life of your Mini Aussie. These strategies are simple to do and don't require a lot of work or time to use.
Stimulating your Mini Australian Shepherd’s brain is the best way to prevent canine dementia, and this can be done in a variety of ways. There is an abundance of dog puzzles and food bowls that will make your dog work for his food. In trying to find a way to access the treat or food within these puzzles, your Mini Aussie will be stimulating their brain as they attempt new strategies.
Socialization is another preventative measure when it comes to canine dementia. When your Mini Australian Shepherd is playing and socializing regularly, whether with other dogs or humans, they are stimulating their brain. An active brain helps keep it healthy, which is an important factor when it comes to avoiding canine dementia.
While canine dementia can be a serious condition for your Mini Aussie, there are no studies that show specific links to a shortened life expectancy. Canine dementia may affect your dog’s quality of life, but if they are otherwise healthy, this condition is almost never fatal on its own. Dogs experiencing canine dementia are more likely to have their life expectancy shortened by other health conditions that they are experiencing.
Canine dementia is a scary thing for any dog owner to experience. Though this condition can impact your Mini Aussies life, you can still provide many fun and loving years for your dog despite canine dementia.
Stress in Mini Australian Shepherds
All dog breeds are prone to stress that can be caused by a variety of factors. Whether it’s being left alone, unknown noises, or other causes, most dogs are more than likely to experience stress at least once in their life. For Mini Aussies, this stress is typically caused by a lack of leadership from their owner and herding instincts that are not correctly driven.
Having everything in their world in order is important to Mini Aussies, and they recognize their ability to have an impact on creating that order. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are pack dogs, meaning that they expect a leader of their pack, aka your family. They seek guidance and leadership from their owner, or pack leader, in order to keep everything in order.
If Mini Australian Shepherd puppies or adults feel that their owner’s leadership is weak, they will try to step into the role of pack leader. A Mini Australian Shepherd who believes that they are the leader of their family will become more stressed than usual. They will begin to boss around their human owners, which can lead to unwanted behaviors and even aggression.
The best way to avoid your Mini Aussie from feeling unnecessary stress due to trying to be the leader is to provide them with good guidance. Setting solid boundaries and being consistent in training is the best way to show them that you are the boss. Mini Australian Shepherds like and prefer to have good leadership and know what is expected of them by their owners. Setting clear expectations of behaviors will reinforce your leadership and help guide them, minimizing stress.
Prey drive is a big factor in a Mini Aussies herding instincts. This is the instinctive reaction to moving objects that makes a Mini Australian Shepherd want to pursue and capture them as a part of herding. Herding is built into their blood, and even when taken out of a herding situation, Mini Aussies will still try to do so. Even Mini Australian Shepherd puppies will show herding tendencies at a very young age.
Children running within the home, other animals, and even adults can become focuses of herding to a Mini Aussie. Their movements can trigger prey drive within a Mini Australian Shepherd, causing them to become fixated on others within their home. This can be stressful for Mini Aussies as they will feel strongly motivated to express their prey drive, and doing it in the wrong way may result in punishment. Having a need that they cannot fulfill may lead to excess stress. Though the Mini Australian Shepherd size is relatively small, they can still do some damage through inappropriate herding behaviors.
The best way to avoid your Mini Australian Shepherd becoming stressed due to their prey drive and herding instincts is to give them an outlet to fulfill these needs. Appropriate activities can be used to satisfy herding needs and prey drive, and Mini Aussies can be taught what activities are not appropriate. Playing ball and frisbee are common activities for Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults, and they are highly motivated by these outlets. These activities allow your Mini Aussie to react to a moving object, purse and capture it without affecting anyone else in your home. By focusing on these objects, your Mini Aussie will not be stressed about trying to pursue other moving people or things within your household.
Another form of stress your Mini Aussie may experience is due to how visually sensitive they are. Given they are herding dogs, they will notice things that other breeds don’t. It’s important to teach your Mini Australian Shepherd that moving objects do not always need to be pursued when they are out and about. Using the term “leave it” is a great way to reinforce not following through on herding instincts when they notice something in their environment. This can reduce the stress that they may feel due to wanting to herd something that is not appropriate.
Stress is an unavoidable part of life for both humans and dogs, including Mini Aussies. This physiological factor can affect your dog’s life by making them uncomfortable and even agitated when prolonged. It’s important to know the common causes of your Mini Australian Shepherd’s stress and how you can help minimize this factor.
Understanding how herding instincts work and affect your Mini Aussie, as well as the outlets you can provide them to appropriately do these activities, will benefit both you and your dog. Thankfully there are a variety of ways to reduce the stress that you can implement into your Mini Australian Shepherd’s life. Training, leadership, and activities can all help minimize the stress your Australian Shepherd may experience.
Anxiety in Mini Australian Shepherds
Along with stress, all dog breeds are susceptible to anxiety. This can also be triggered by different factors and may be prevented and treated with certain products and activities.
Mini Aussies are extremely smart dogs, as we’ve noted before. Because of their high intelligence, they can easily become anxious about a variety of things. Anticipating daily events such as you leaving, having new people in their home, and being understimulated are all common causes of anxiety in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults.
Anxiety can impact your dog’s life by making them distressed, nervous, and uneasy. Your Mini Aussie may not enjoy things that they usually love to do when they are feeling anxious. In addition, anxiety can cause them to look for coping mechanisms that may impact their health or ruin some of their beloved items. Many anxious Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults may chew at their skin, causing hot spots and fur loss. Some Mini Aussies will eat less than usual when anxious, causing them to become underweight.
In other cases, Mini Aussies may look for something to keep them busy and distract them from their anxiety, which may include chewing things that they aren’t supposed to, such as shoes and furniture. Getting in trouble for doing things that they aren’t supposed to when anxious can also negatively impact their life. This is why it’s important to know the correct way to handle anxiety in Mini Aussies and avoid its life impacts on your Mini Aussie.
While anxiety is unenjoyable for any Mini Aussie, thankfully, it won’t shorten their life. This condition may impact their quality of life and happiness, but you don’t have to worry about missing out on any valuable days with your beloved pup because of it. As an owner, there are plenty of things you can do to lessen your Mini Australian Shepherd’s anxiety and give them the best life possible.
Some ways to prevent your Mini Aussie from experiencing anxiety include taking them on a long walk or going to the dog park. Despite the small Mini Australian Shepherd size, they can sustain long periods of exercise. Here, your pup can get some of their anxious energy out and become stimulated. Socializing them while out and about with new people and dogs will help prevent anxiety due to new household visitors.
Stimulating dog toys such as dog puzzles are a great way to avoid your Mini Australian Shepherd feeling anxious. These can help keep them busy and give them something to focus on when you are unable to entertain them or take them out. In addition, these toys can serve as an appropriate outlet for their anxious energy.
Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are also very affectionate dogs and generally form an extremely strong bond with their owners. Because of this, they may develop separation anxiety when their owner leaves. Having an absent owner causes them to feel anxious about being apart and a strong desire to find a way to be near you again.
The best way to avoid separation anxiety in Mini Aussies is to ensure that they are socialized from an early age. Mini Aussies who have not been socialized from an early age are more prone to separation anxiety. If you have a Mini Australian Shepherd puppy, this should be an easy task, but if you have adopted an older Mini Aussie they may have already developed this condition. If this is the case with your dog, don’t worry, as there are still ways that you can help combat their separation anxiety.
Many supplements are on the market for canine separation anxiety that has been shown to naturally minimize this condition. The supplements are a great alternative to medication and are generally beneficial for your dog’s mental and physical health.
Some supplements used for canine anxiety may include CBD, a naturally calming compound that won’t negatively impact your Mini Aussie. These CBD-based supplements are rising in popularity and can typically be found at your local pet store.
Separation anxiety can also be reduced in Mini Aussies through spending quality time with them. This will strengthen your bond and alleviate some of their anxiety about you leaving.
When faced with your Miniature Australian Shepherd having anxiety, there are a variety of steps that you can take to deal with this condition. All methods of prevention and management are easy to incorporate into your daily life. Overall, this is a relatively easy condition to manage and avoid all together. As long as you are providing your dog with activities that they need, socialization, and when needed, the right supplements, anxiety will not negatively impact your or your Mini Aussie’s life on a large scale.
Mini Aussie Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can be prone to developing different types of allergies that are triggered by different allergens. Some allergies are environmental, food allergies, or flea allergies. Allergies are a common health condition for a Mini Aussie to develop, especially those of the skin. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults commonly face skin allergies due to genetic dispositions. Some dogs inherit allergies while others don’t, and Mini Aussies are some of the dogs that are likely to have these allergy-causing genes passed down.
Skin allergies can impact your Mini Australian Shepherd’s life by causing them to become itchy and uncomfortable. With skin allergies, your dog will feel like they have an itch (or a few) that can never be fully satisfied. These itches are caused by a hypersensitive immune reaction to foreign substances known as allergens. These allergens are harmless things such as pollen, dust, grass, and other environmental factors. Though not innately harmful, these allergens are viewed as a threat by your dog’s immune system. This causes the immune system to attack these allergens, triggering an allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults look different from allergic reactions in humans. Humans typically begin sneezing, coughing, and even having itchy eyes when they experience allergies. On the other hand, dogs such as Mini Aussies have allergic reactions that make their skin become itchy.
Typical places for Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults to experience allergies are on their legs, paws, and hind end. You may notice your Mini Aussie scratching, rubbing, and licking these areas excessively when they are experiencing allergies. Sometimes allergies can also manifest in your Mini Aussies ears. If you notice your Mini Aussie has recurring ear infections, this could be due to underlying allergies.
While allergies can cause dogs to be uncomfortable, they don’t shorten the life expectancy of our Mini Australian Shepherd. You and your dog can still have many fun-filled years together, even with allergies. Most Mini Australian Shepherd puppies will not experience allergies as they typically don’t onset until after one to two years of age. It’s important to note that despite the typical onset of allergies being relatively young, dogs can develop this condition at any age.
Supplements and special diets can help minimize allergies and improve skin health. Fatty acids supplements have been shown to minimize or even eliminate itching by reducing skin inflammation. Foods that contain fish oil and other forms of fatty acid can also help strengthen skin health and reduce itching and inflammation.
Another great way to combat allergies in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults is with specialized shampoos. These shampoos soothe the skin, minimize itching and reduce inflammation. Oatmeal, tea tree oil, aloe vera, and hydrocortisone are all-powerful, combative things to look at when buying shampoo to help manage Mini Aussie allergies.
Though Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are prone to skin allergies, they can still experience any type of allergy, including food allergies and flea allergies. It’s important to note that just because a breed is prone to a specific condition such as skin allergies doesn’t mean experiencing this condition is inevitable. Some Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults will live their entire life without ever experiencing a type of allergy, including skin allergies.
The best way to identify what food your Mini Aussie is allergic to is through an elimination diet. You can do this by feeding them a non-contaminated, simple ingredient diet for at least eight weeks. This food should consist of a single animal protein source, a single vegetable protein source, and one form of carbohydrate calories. After this diet has been completed, when you switch your Mini Aussie back to their old food, you will be able to watch for reactions and narrow down possible allergens. Removing these food allergens from their diet will eliminate itching and other allergic reaction symptoms.
Flea allergies are also another type of allergy your Mini Australian Shepherd can experience, and they can be harder to spot. One single flea can cause a reaction in all different parts of the body. Thankfully, there are a variety of flea shampoos on the market today. Putting your Mini Aussie on a regular flea bath schedule can help keep them flea-free. This will help eliminate allergic reaction symptoms that are caused by fleas.
Allergies can be common in Mini Australian Shepherds, especially skin allergies. Skin allergies are caused by both inhalant allergens that dogs breathe in and ones that are absorbed through the skin. Besides skin allergies, Mini Aussies can also experience other types of allergies such as fleas and food. Thankfully there are a variety of easy ways to manage and combat all types of allergies in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults.
Allergy Relief Options We Love
Mini Australian Shepherd Gut Health
Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are not typically prone to a variety of stomach issues, though they can still take place as with any dog breed. The most typical type of gut issue seen in Mini Aussies is called a congenital umbilical hernia, which is seen in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies.
An umbilical hernia takes place when the intestine or fat that lines your dog’s abdomen protrudes through an unclosed belly button. Sometimes the closure of the belly button may simply be delayed and will close by the time that your Mini Australian Shepherd puppy is a few months old. Sometimes umbilical hernias will resolve themselves by a closing of the belly button, but Mini Australian Shepherd puppies who still have the hernia at 5-6 months of age will need medical intervention to correct this condition.
This condition is an inherited one, meaning Mini Australian Shepherd puppies are passed down the genes for delayed belly button closing and umbilical hernias. As stated before, just because this breed is prone to this condition through inherited genes doesn’t mean it's inevitable. Some Mini Australian Shepherd puppies will never experience this condition.
Umbilical hernias will not impact life expectancy if they go away on their own and are not a health concern for Mini Australian Shepherd puppies or adults. If an unclosed belly button only creates a small hole, it is typically harmless, but if a large hole is present, it may pose a bigger threat. Both of these types of unclosed belly buttons can easily be managed, and Mini Australian Shepherd puppies with this condition will still go on to live a healthy, normal life.
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent Mini Australian Shepherd puppies from experiencing umbilical hernias. Given the small Mini Australian Shepherd size, this condition can be difficult to recognize as an owner.
Besides umbilical hernias, there is a variety of gut health problems Mini Aussies can experience just like any other dog breed. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults can experience sensitive stomach or digestive issues at any point in their life. These issues may range in severity and be caused by different factors.
Stomach sensitivity and digestive issues are defined in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults as more than two episodes of any gastrointestinal upset. A sensitive stomach and digestive issues can lead to discomfort for your Mini Aussie and, in the worst-case, other health issues as well. This can cause your Mini Australian Shepherd to become lethargic, distressed, and even unwilling to do some of the things they love due to their gut health issues.
Thankfully, sensitive stomach and digestive issues don’t typically shorten the life expectancy of Mini Australian Shepherd puppies or adults. This condition can typically be combatted and managed easily at home.
Gut health issues in Mini Aussies can commonly be reversed by a change in diet. Limited ingredient diets are very common for all dogs with sensitive stomachs, including Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults. These limited ingredient foods are easier to digest, minimizing or limiting issues like stomach sensitivity and digestion issues when consumed.
In addition to limited ingredient diets, probiotic supplements are a great thing to add to your dog’s diet to help reverse or combat gut health issues. The Mini Australian Shepherd size is small, along with their stomach, which is a microbiome of bacteria that includes probiotics. When the balance of this microbiome becomes abnormal for a variety of reasons, they can experience digestive health issues. Adding probiotics back into your Mini Australian Shepherd’s stomach microbiome through their daily diet can help rebalance their intestinal flora and prevent stomach sensitivities. Always consult with a vet before presuming any of these ideas.
Besides dietary changes and supplements, slowing down your Mini Australian Shepherd’s rate of eating can help combat stomach sensitivities. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies, and even adults, may overindulge and eat their food too quickly. This can cause stomach sensitivity issues as well as digestive problems. One way to avoid this is through slow feeder bowls. These bowls have divots and gaps that dogs must get the food from rather than being able to take big bites at once. By doing so, they will be forced to slow their rate of eating down, which may eliminate or minimize their gut health issues.
Gut health issues can be a tricky thing to overcome as a dog owner, but with the right education and strategies, it’s definitely possible. Implementing new diets, supplements, and feeding bowls are some of the most promising ways to make sure your Mini Australian Shepherd’s gut health is in tip-top shape. Try out these different methods with Mini Australian Shepherd puppies or adults to see which one works best for you and your furry family member.
Gut Health Options We Love
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Mini Australian Shepherd Eye Health
Eye health is another important component to consider when trying to make sure your Mini Australian Shepherd is as healthy as they possibly can be. Most eye issues can be difficult to spot, so it’s important for dog owners to be familiar with the conditions that Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are most prone to and how to keep watch for any symptoms.
The most common type of eye health issue that Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults experience is called persistent pupillary membranes. These membranes are a part of the typical embryonic growth of most species, including dogs and humans alike. Pupillary membranes begin as a solid mesodermal sheet of tissue which disappears when the pupil forms. When the tissue doesn’t completely disappear, strands of it can become stuck to other parts of the eye, causing abnormal issues with eye function. These pieces of tissue known as persistent pupillary membranes can become attached to another surface of the iris, lens, or cornea of the eye.
Mini Australian Shepherds experiencing this condition may show symptoms of vision impairment, tiny strands visibly running across the pupil space, foggy or cloudy appearing corneas, and abnormal iris movement. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies may be experiencing this condition without showing any symptoms. These symptoms may even be hard to notice in adult Mini Aussies since the Mini Australian Shepherd size is so small, making the eyes themselves smaller and hard to assess as well.
Persistent pupillary membranes are hereditary, which causes Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults to be prone to them. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies are often passed down the genes which cause them to experience this condition. If persistent pupillary membranes are still existent after your Mini Australian Shepherd puppy is over six months of age, it’s most likely that it was inherited.
There is no real treatment for Mini Aussies experiencing persistent pupillary membranes, but thankfully this condition may typically resolve on its own. When lens clouding occurs due to pupillary membranes, it generally doesn’t worsen over time, though sometimes it might. If it does continue to worsen, medical intervention is typically needed.
Unfortunately, when it comes to Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adult dogs experiencing persistent pupillary membranes, there is no way to prevent this condition. Since it can be hard to notice due to the Mini Australian Shepherd size, many owners may not even know their dog has persistent pupillary membranes. Though this can be worrisome, thankfully, this condition usually resolves itself or doesn’t worsen. If it does continue to progress, your vet will be able to diagnose your Mini Aussie and tell you of the next steps.
In addition to persistent pupillary membranes, Mini Australian Shepherds can also be prone to cataracts. Mini Aussies do experience hereditary cataracts that are passed down from generations. These hereditary cataracts are never seen in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and usually, signs are presented as adults. Given the small Mini Australian Shepherd size causing their eyes to also be relatively small, this condition can be difficult to spot with your bare eye unless the cataracts are very advanced. Hereditary cataracts will appear in both eyes, those possibly at different times.
Cataracts can affect the life of your Mini Aussie by possibly clouding the entire lens, making them unable to distinguish anything in their vision besides extreme lights and darks. Thankfully, cataracts usually progress slowly enough for your Mini Australian Shepherd to adjust to its vision loss, and they don’t cause any pain. Some Mini Aussies with cataracts may always have functional vision thanks to slow progression. If cataracts become severe, medical intervention can be performed.
Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid cataracts in Mini Aussies. This condition is inherited, meaning if your dog has the genes for it, they will most likely experience it. Thankfully even Mini Aussies with the most severe cataracts can still live normal, healthy lives with the help of their owner. Since the small Mini Australian Shepherd size makes it difficult to spot this condition on your own, be sure to stay up to date on your Mini Aussie’s routine exams.
Mini Australian Shepherd owners do not typically have to take many steps to adjust to having a dog with cataracts. If your Mini Aussie becomes blind from cataracts, which is the worst-case scenario, they can still easily cope with this condition and live a fulfilling life. Blind Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults will memorize the layout of your home. Given the small Mini Australian Shepherd size, they will likely memorize where your furniture that they need to avoid is placed even if it’s taller than them. Be sure to show them any changes in your home’s furniture layout.
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Mini Australian Shepherd Ear Health
Ear health issues are not very common in Mini Aussies, but this doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. It’s good to know the possible ear health conditions that are most commonly seen in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults and what they look like.
Deafness is one ear condition that Mini Aussies might face. This deafness is caused by a lack of pigment cells called melanocytes in the inner ear. These cells translate the air vibrations that sound creates into electrical impulses which travel to the brain. When these cells are absent, Mini Australian Shepherd puppies or adults will be deaf. This condition is present from birth, meaning that both Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adult dogs can experience it.
This lack of cells is most typically seen in Mini Aussies who have excessive white markings on their head. The gene which causes the white head markings impacts not just the skin and fur but also any part of the body that is pigmented, such as the ears.
Deafness in Mini Australian Shepherds is an inherited condition, meaning it’s passed on through genes. Mini Aussies with two copies of the merle gene, known as double merles, are the ones prone to excessive white head markings as well as deafness due to the impact this double gene has on pigmentation.
Some Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adult dogs may be deaf in one ear or in both ears. To find out if your dog is deaf, you can have their hearing tested by a vet or do an at-home test. To do an at-home hearing test, place your Mini Australian Shepherd in a room away from other animals and people with minimal distractions. Have two people stand on opposite sides of the room, and one person will need to draw the Mini Aussie’s attention so that they look towards them. Once they are looking at the first person, have the second person make a distinct noise such as squeaking a toy. If the puppy doesn’t react to the noise at all after two or three tires, it’s highly likely that your Mini Aussie is deaf.
Deafness won’t limit your Mini Australian Shepherd’s life expectancy, and they can still live a fulfilling and happy life with this condition. You can even still train them using hand movements rather than verbal commands. Unfortunately, this condition can’t be reversed, but you and your Mini Australian Shepherd can learn strategies that work best for the both of you when it comes to doing simple tasks. Deaf Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults can still play, fetch, run and cuddle the same as those who aren’t deaf.
Another ear health issue that many Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults may face is ear infections. Due to the small Mini Australian Shepherd size, their ears are relatively small and can be difficult to clean. This is much more common than deafness and can be caused by a variety of factors. They can easily be caused by bacteria, allergies, and debris, along with some underlying conditions. Given the pointy Mini Australian Shepherd ear shape, they can easily get debris in their ear to cause an infection. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are also prone to allergies which cause these ear infections. The most common signs of a Mini Aussie ear infection include shaking their head, crust on the inside of the ear, leaning to the side of the affected ear, and rubbing the ear with their paw.
Ear infections can be resolved easily and don’t impact a Mini Aussies life expectancy or quality of life once treated. They are best-taken care of by a vet, but there are also ways you can help combat this condition at home. Cleaning your Mini Australian Shepherd’s ears is a good way to make sure that they don’t have buildup that can cause an ear infection. In addition, feeding them a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids will help keep their skin healthy and combat allergies that can cause ear infections. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are a great thing to incorporate into the diet of Mini Australian Shepherds puppies and adults to prevent possible allergy-related ear infections in the future.
Ear health is an important component of your dog’s health. Be sure to keep an eye out for any possible symptoms of ear health issues in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults and seek treatment if needed.
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Mini Australian Shepherd Immune Health
Immune health is an essential part of your Mini Australian Shepherd’s overall health. If their immune system isn’t as healthy as possible, this can affect all areas of their health and wellness. Autoimmune diseases take place when the body’s immune system attacks the body and can take place in both humans and Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults.
Autoimmune diseases are a common disorder for Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults to experience. The most common autoimmune diseases for a Mini Aussie to experience include hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, and pemphigus.
Autoimmune diseases in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults are genetic, meaning they have been inherited, though not every Mini Aussie with these genes will experience one of these conditions.
Hypothyroidism is an abnormality in the thyroid gland that reduces a Mini Australian Shepherd’s metabolic state. Common symptoms of this condition include hair thinning and loss, flaky skin, and lethargy. This can impact your Mini Aussies life by making things that they love to do a challenge, though it doesn’t shorten their life expectancy. Hypothyroidism must be treated by a vet, though there are some supplements you can add to your Mini Aussie’s diet to support their thyroid function. Ashwagandha, turmeric, mushrooms, kelp, and schizandra berry have all shown to help combat hypothyroidism, but be sure to consult with your vet before introducing them into your Mini Aussies diet. This condition is very easy for Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and dogs as well as their owners to adjust to.
A majority of immune system functions reside in a Mini Australian Shepherd’s stomach, meaning that irritable bowel disease can impact other areas of health such as muscle mass and fur. Signs of irritable bowel disease can include vomiting, appetite decrease, weight loss and loose stool. This can all lead to inflammation in a Mini Aussies stomach called gastritis. Both Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults can experience irritable bowel disease and gastritis because of it. This condition differs from irritable bowel syndrome seen in humans due to its cause being a malfunction in the immune system, also known as autoimmune disease.
Diet is a great way to combat irritable bowel disease in both Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults. A prescription diet can be used to help ease digestion through easily digestible food formulas with high fiber. Maintaining a healthy stomach microbiome in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults is another way to manage irritable bowel disease. Prebiotics and postbiotics can bring balance to the stomach of a Mini Aussie and help alleviate this condition.
In addition to IBD, Lupus is another common autoimmune disease seen in Mini Aussies. The most common type of lupus in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults is called discoid lupus. This is a skin disease that can cause a Mini Aussie to experience hair loss and crusty, irritated areas of their skin, typically around their face and head. This condition seems to have skin inflammation that’s triggered by UV light and is worsened in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults who live in sunny climates.
This condition must be treated by a medical professional, though it doesn’t shorten a Mini Aussies life expectancy. Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults can still live long, happy lives with their owners despite experiencing lupus.
Pemphigus is also an autoimmune skin condition where a Mini Aussies immune system attacks the connection between the body’s skin cells. Though Mini Australian Shepherd puppies can experience this condition, it’s most common in middle-aged and older Mini Aussies. This condition causes Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults to experience hair loss, scabbing, and open sores known as ulcers around their head, ears and face.
Pemphigus is very serious and can affect your Mini Aussies life expectancy based on the severity of the condition. Be sure to get your Mini Aussie into the vet to get this condition treated properly and give your dog the best chance of living a long, healthy life.
Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases can’t be avoided in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults due to being an inherited disease. Despite this, there’s still plenty that you can do as an owner to make sure your Mini Aussie lives the happiest life possible with one of these autoimmune disease conditions. Though these conditions may seem daunting, you and your Mini Aussie can enjoy many fun-filled days together after diagnosis and with proper management strategies.
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Mini Aussie Joint Health
Joint health is an essential part of a Mini Aussies health that allows them to do all of the things that they love without them becoming challenging. Often dogs that are similar to the Mini Australian Shepherd size don’t experience joint health issues, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case with Mini Aussies. Despite the small Mini Australian Shepherd size, Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults can still experience various joint health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia.
Hip and elbow dysplasia takes place due to abnormal growth in the ball and socket of these joints as well as insufficient coverage. This causes the joint to become loose and unstable, which can lead to Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults experiencing scar tissue around the joints that are affected by dysplasia.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are both inherited skeletal diseases that Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults can be prone to. Some signs of these conditions include limping, obvious pain decreased range of motion in hips or legs, audible clicking sounds then your Mini Aussie walks, avoiding high levels of activity, and slower rates of walking or running.
Since this is an inherited joint condition, it can’t be prevented in Mini Aussies. Though there’s no way to prevent this condition, it can easily be managed. Pain relief through anti-inflammatory agents, resting, and certain supplements can help manage hip and elbow dysplasia in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults.
Some of the best supplements to give to a Mini Aussie with elbow or hip dysplasia include turmeric, ashwagandha, and kelp. These can help reduce swelling in the affected joint and reduce the pain caused by it. Always consult your vet before adding supplements to your dog's diet. Diet has also been shown to have an impact on hip and elbow dysplasia in Mini Aussies. Studies have shown that dogs who consumed a fish-based, nutrient rich diet had less severe cases of elbow and hip dysplasia than those who ate chicken based diets. Some nutrient factors of fish-based foods may help slow the progression of elbow and hip dysplasia in Mini Aussies.
Unfortunately, this condition can’t be reversed, though it can easily be managed through different diets, supplements, and vet prescribed medications. Watching the weight of your Mini Aussie through diet and appropriate exercise levels can help combat the progression of elbow and hip dysplasia. Mini Aussies who are overweight are more likely to develop hip or elbow dysplasia than those who are at a healthy weight.
Acupuncture can also be a form of pain management for Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults experiencing hip or elbow dysplasia. Acupuncture has shown promising results in recent years for treating Mini Aussie joint pain, including that caused by hip or elbow dysplasia.
Though hip and elbow dysplasia may seem intimidating, your Mini Aussie can still live a happy and normal life with this condition. Taking the proper steps to ensure your Mini aussie is at a healthy weight, consuming a fish-based diet along with anti-inflammatory supplements, and consulting with your vet is the best way to make sure they live a fulfilling, happy life with elbow dysplasia.
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Mini Aussie Skin and Coat Health
Though Mini Aussies are known for their unique Mini Australian Shepherd size and beautiful coats, they can still experience issues with skin and coat health. Mini Aussie coats can become dull, and due to the small Mini Australian Shepherd size, they can easily bite at and scratch all different areas of their body when their skin becomes irritated.
Symptoms of dull coats can also be accompanied by hair loss, inflammation, hot spots, and itchiness. All of these symptoms can make Mini Aussies very uncomfortable and can affect both Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults. These symptoms can make your dog distressed, more sensitive to cold, and even experience open skin sores.
Though Mini Aussies aren’t exactly prone to dull coat and skin issues, they can still experience these conditions. Skin and coat problems on their own won’t shorten your Mini Aussie’s life span, but if they are caused by an underlying condition, this other health condition will need to be addressed. Some underlying health conditions that cause skin and coat issues may impact life expectancy and are best addressed on a case-by-case basis by your vet.
One of the best ways to combat skin and coat issues in Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults is through diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to have a tremendous impact on improving Mini Aussie skin and coat health, and these can easily be added to the diet of Mini Australian Aussie puppies or adults by their owner. This skin and coat health management is simple and won’t take a lot of steps or adjusting by an owner to be successful in.
An important thing to note about adding omega-3 fatty acids to your Mini Aussie’s diet is that they are better added through smaller fish sources or supplements than through sources that are from a larger fish. Smaller fish have a higher concentration of omega-3s than larger ones.
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One of the most common skin issues that Mini Aussies are prone to be called superficial necrolytic dermatitis, a condition that is mostly seen in older dogs rather than Mini Australian Shepherd puppies. This condition is caused by low plasma amino acid levels and is commonly accompanied by diabetes. Skin lesions are the most common symptoms of this condition and can be relatively severe. One of the best ways owners can help their Mini Aussies combat superficial necrolytic dermatitis is through diet. Adding whey protein powders that are safe for dogs to their food can improve skin function and increase amino acid levels, reducing symptoms. Therapies and treatments provided by your vet will best help combat this condition.
Unfortunately, superficial necrolytic dermatitis is a very severe condition and does shorten the life expectancy of Mini Aussies who get diagnosed with it. The typical prognosis of a dog with superficial necrolytic dermatitis is around five months from the onset of lesions. Though this isn’t a diagnosis any dog owners want, research for this condition is improving the length and quality of dogs experiencing superficial necrolytic dermatitis. Hopefully, in coming years, there will be more promising treatments for this condition available to Mini Aussies.
It’s important to note that just because Mini Australian Shepherds can be prone to this condition doesn’t mean it’s an inevitable diagnosis. Many will live normal, healthy lives without ever experiencing this condition.
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Skin and coat health is an important part of not only keeping Mini Australian Shepherd puppies and adults looking beautiful but also feeling great. Omega-3 fatty acids and other skin-specific supplements are a great way to make sure their skin and coat health are in the best condition possible. By doing so, you will be providing your Aussie with the healthiest, happiest, and most comfortable life possible, free of symptoms that come with skin and coat health issues. All dog owners want to provide the best life possible for their furry family members, and ensuring top-quality skin and coat health is one of the best ways to do so.
