Toy Fox Terrier: A Complete Guide

toy fox terrier puppy standing in grass

Toy Fox Terrier Introduction

Adopting a dog is an exciting and life-changing experience for any person or family. There many factors affecting which dog is the right one for you that need to be considered before taking your new family member home. For families that are looking for affectionate, energetic, and friendly dogs that are on the smaller size, the Toy Fox Terrier may be for you.

What are Toy Fox Terriers? Toy Fox Terriers are fun, smaller versions of their Smooth Fox Terrier ancestors. These little dogs are perfect for apartment living and especially for those who work from home or who can take them into the office. These dogs aren’t the biggest fans of being left alone, so if you work all day and don’t have another canine companion to keep your Toy Fox Terrier company, this may not be the breed for you.

Both new and experienced dog owners are a great fit for Toy Fox Terriers. If you have never owned a dog before, a Toy Fox Terrier can be a great place to start. With their high intelligence level and love for cuddling with their family, this breed has a lot to offer.

Toy Fox Terriers can do well in relatively any climate, though their ideal weather is on the mild side. If you live in a colder corner of the world, don’t let this stop you from adopting a Toy Fox Terrier. These little pups will do great with a sweater and warm winter clothes when they are out and about during those frigid winter months. Toy Fox Terriers do well in warm weather, and although it isn’t their ideal temperature, they will have no problem adapting to some hot summer days.

When it comes to friendliness, Toy Fox Terriers are the perfect mix of loving and protective. There is nothing a Toy Fox Terrier loves more than their family. They greatly enjoy following their owners around the home or cuddling up next to them to watch a movie. They are kid-friendly, meaning young families can easily integrate a Toy Fox Terrier into their home. Toy Fox Terriers are relatively friendly towards other dogs, and they are likely to be more dog friendly when they are socialized with them from a young age.

If you are looking for a watchdog to protect your home and family, the Toy Fox Terrier is the perfect fit. Though small, these dogs are very alert and will notify their owners of any strangers approaching their home. Despite being protective, they will still warm up to strangers when their human family members do, meaning that you won’t have to worry about them trying to scare off your friends when they come to visit.

Toy Fox Terriers have previously been used to hunt rats and small game, and they were able to do so because of their high intelligence level. Though smart dogs are typically associated with being extremely easy to train, this isn’t always the case. While Toy Fox Terriers can pick up on being obedient, listening to commands, and even performing agility courses, getting here may be difficult, as they can be a bit stubborn. But with some practice and determination, your Toy Fox Terrier will be trained in no time.

Given the working dog background of Toy Fox Terriers, they tend to love exploring and being outdoors. This can give them a little bit of potential for wanderlust, meaning that if you have an open backyard, you may find them wandering off. This can easily be fixed with a fence, leash, or consistent training to stay nearby.

Some breeds are more vocal than others, and the Toy Fox Terrier breed is one of them. They can be a bit loud when it comes to barking and howling, so be prepared to hear what your Toy Fox Terrier has to say. Some Toy Fox Terriers will be more vocal than others.

Toy Fox Terriers have a high energy level, meaning that they will need to be exercised daily for a decent amount of time. Playing fetch, going on walks, and playing with other dogs are great ways to let your Toy Fox Terrier get some of their energy out. Toy Fox Terriers are especially playful, so providing them with toys and a companion to have fun with is a great way to keep them occupied and happy.

toy fox terrier standing in front of green background

History of the Toy Fox Terrier

Terrier breeds have a long, extensive history with plenty of variations. These terrier breeds have been in England since before the 1500s, including the Smooth Fox Terrier, from which Toy Fox Terriers have descended. Smooth Fox Terriers were developed to lure foxes from their dens during hunting.

Smooth Fox Terriers ranged greatly in different sizes, with some averaging 20 pounds and others only weighing seven pounds. Surprisingly, the smaller Smooth Fox Terriers were commonly more favored by farmers and hunters. This is because of their feistiness and willingness to take part in the action, whether it was hunting rats, other small game, or keeping watch over their property.

Smooth Fox Terriers have been known as their own breed for over a century, receiving their United Kennel Club recognition in 1912. During this time, both smaller and larger Smooth Fox Terriers were registered together as one breed. After some time, around the 1920’s, those who loved the smaller Smooth Fox Terriers began a petition to the United Kennel Club to separate the smaller dogs into their own breed. This was finally accomplished less than 20 years later when the Toy Fox Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club as its own breed in 1936. The American Kennel Club took much more time to recognize the toy breed as its own, but they eventually did as well in 2003.

When trying to accomplish this small breed size, many Smooth Fox Terriers were crossed with other small dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Manchester Terriers. While these crosses did accomplish the small size that many were looking for, some other characteristics didn’t match the end goal. Because of this, Toy Fox Terriers were no longer crossed with other breeds in search of a certain size and became a pure-bred dog, though they do have some Chihuahua and Manchester Terrier genes.

Once the Toy Fox Terrier became a distinguished breed, these smaller dogs still performed various working responsibilities. Many continued to live on farms and ranches in both the United States and their English home country. Toy Fox Terriers would often hunt for rats, squirrels, and other small game, as well as keep guard over their family’s property.

In the modern day, Toy Fox Terriers are more commonly found as household family dogs, though many still participate in hunting and working activities. Those who are now members of the family still love to be outdoors, explore, and even hunt small animals. This is important to remember when adopting a Toy Fox Terrier, especially if you have small animals in your home, such as hamsters or rats. Though these dogs have been taken out of the hunting environment, these hunting instincts still exist. One great thing about owning a Toy Fox Terrier is that you won’t have to worry about any unwanted critters making a home on your property or in your house. Your Toy Fox Terrier is sure to keep your house pest-free.

Toy Fox Terrier Intelligence

As you know, Toy Fox Terriers were used for a variety of different tasks. This ability to perform for humans in hunting and guarding is all thanks to the high Toy Fox Terrier intelligence level. Toy Fox Terriers are very smart and catch on to things in their environments very quickly. They can understand what their humans want from them, though they may not always feel that they need to be told what to do.

Because of their long history of hunting on their own, Toy Fox Terriers may resist human commands. This is because they are used to being independent and not relying on guidance from their owners. Despite this, Toy Fox Terriers can still be trained to be obedient dogs. This may take a little bit of extra time, but with dedication and consistency, your Toy Fox Terrier will be sitting, staying, and doing whatever else you want them to do.

Toy Fox Terriers are very easy to house train, despite this not being the norm for most terrier breeds. They can be trained to use the restroom outside, in litter boxes, or on potty pads. The younger you train your Toy Fox Terrier to use the bathroom in a specific spot, the faster they will catch on. If you have adopted an older Toy Fox Terrier, don’t worry. They too can still be taught where an appropriate potty place is and how to signal when they need to go.

Toy Fox Terrier Cognitive Health

With any smart breed, cognitive health is vital to keeping their intelligence in tip-top shape. Cognitive health is what allows dogs to problem solve, make sense of their surroundings, and stay in tune with what you want them to do. Without cognitive health, Toy Fox Terriers and other dogs would have a very difficult time learning commands and household rules, if they would be able to at all.

Unfortunately, cognitive health can have issues of its own. Humans and dogs can see a decrease in cognitive functioning throughout their life, and especially as they grow older. Knowing the signs and symptoms of cognitive health impairment in Toy Fox Terriers is the key to giving them the healthiest, happiest life that you can as they go into their senior years.

toy fox terrier laying on bed

Canine Dementia

Canine dementia is the most common cognitive health issue for any dog breed to experience, including Toy Fox Terriers. This condition isn’t inherited, meaning that Toy Fox Terriers are no more prone to canine dementia than any other breed. The most common dogs that experience canine dementia are all dogs over nine years old, and females that have been spayed.

Canine dementia is never seen in younger dogs since this is a condition that is caused by the aging process. Specifically, canine dementia occurs when there is a plaque build-up in the brain, which stems from an accumulation of abnormal proteins. This plaque build-up then causes nerve damage, which results in impaired cognitive functioning and leads to canine dementia.

Typical symptoms of canine dementia include memory loss, forgetting learned behaviors, disregard for household rules, irritability, and impaired motor skills. Toy Fox Terriers who are experiencing canine dementia may not react the same when you bring out their favorite toys. They may also have a difficult time finding a treat that they have dropped onto the ground. Unfortunately, symptoms of canine dementia can be commonly written off as typical aging behaviors. These symptoms typically onset slowly, which can make it difficult to notice that they are related to one another. In addition, canine dementia can overlap with other conditions. Because of this, these canine dementia symptoms may be written off as symptoms of a Toy Fox Terrier’s other known health conditions. All of these factors can make obtaining an accurate diagnosis of canine dementia difficult.

Unfortunately, there are no known ways to reverse this condition, though it can be prevented and combatted at home. One of the best ways to prevent canine dementia is through brain stimulation. Brain stimulation keeps a Toy Fox Terrier’s brain healthy and active, preventing cognitive impairment in the process. Puzzle toys, feeder bowls, and socialization are fun and effective ways to keep your Toy Fox Terrier stimulated and cognitively healthy. These can be used from any age and in a variety of ways to help prevent canine dementia as your dog ages.

In addition to brain stimulation, diet has been noticed as one of the most promising ways to prevent or slow the progression of canine dementia in all breeds, including Toy Fox Terriers. Foods that have been specially formulated for senior dogs include extra antioxidants. Some of these antioxidants can include vitamin E, vitamin C, L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, and carotenoids. In addition to antioxidants, senior dog foods are also formulated with additional omega-3 fatty acids. All of these agents are known to help improve brain function in dogs with or without canine dementia. Including these agents in your Toy Fox Terrier’s diet is a promising way to ensure they maintain healthy brain function and combat canine dementia as they grow older. Even if your dog isn’t ready for senior formulated foods, you can still include these ingredients in your Toy Fox Terrier’s diet through supplements to prevent canine dementia from a young age. Be sure to consult with your vet before beginning any new dietary changes or supplements.

Thankfully, Toy Fox Terriers that have canine dementia can still live very happy and fulfilling lives despite this condition. Though they may become confused more often, they can still do the things that they love. Going for walks, playing fetch, and snuggling together are great ways to ensure that your Toy Fox Terrier is still living their best life possible as they grow older and adjust to canine dementia. This condition won’t shorten the life expectancy of your Toy Fox Terrier. With canine dementia preventative measures, management strategies, and extra love, you and your Toy Fox Terrier can enjoy many happy years together.

Stress and Toy Fox Terriers

Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to stress and will experience it more than once in their life. What causes a dog to become stressed can vary greatly. This can depend on their background, breed, disposition, instincts, and much more. Many dogs that have been adopted have had things in their past that were stressful or traumatic, so this may cause them to be stressed even after they have found a new home. Knowing what causes your Toy Fox Terrier to be stressed is the best way to help minimize this experience.

As stated before, Toy Fox Terriers are very smart and aware of things taking place in their surroundings. Because of this, they can be extra sensitive, as well. Things like loud, noisy, and chaotic households can be a stress trigger for your Toy Fox Terrier. He likely will become overwhelmed by things such as loud children, big parties, or music played at a high volume. Keep in mind that the Toy Fox Terrier is much more sensitive to things that may go unnoticed by other breeds.

This is important to keep in mind when deciding if a Toy Fox Terrier is the right dog for you. Households that have large families and young kids, a lot of traffic, and other forms of commotion may be a little overwhelming for a Toy Fox Terrier. Toy Fox Terriers who are introduced to these types of environments when they are young have a likelihood of tolerating them better as they grow older.

When your Toy Fox Terrier is stressed, some signs will let you know that they are feeling this way. Whining and vocalizing are very common ways for a Toy Fox Terrier to communicate that they are feeling stressed. Given that they are highly vocal dogs, Toy Fox Terriers are likely to put these skills to use when it comes to their needs. Another common signal of stress in Toy Fox Terriers is pacing and restlessness. If your Toy Fox Terrier is doing laps around your dining room table or other areas, this may be because they are experiencing stress, and this cause should be taken into consideration. Some dogs may even chew on their skin when they are feeling stressed, which can lead to hot spots and other coat issues.

Just as it is for humans, being stressed is a very uncomfortable situation for dogs. Toy Fox Terriers who are stressed may no longer enjoy things that they usually love. Stressed Toy Fox Terriers may lose sleep because of their stress, causing them to be extra lethargic and tired during the day. Sometimes stressed Toy Fox Terriers may refuse to eat, causing them to lose weight. Not getting adequate nutrition because of stress can lead to other health issues. If you notice your Toy Fox Terrier showing signs of stress and eating less than usual, be sure to get them to the vet as soon as possible.

While stress can be troublesome when it comes to your Toy Fox Terrier, thankfully there are many ways to combat and prevent this condition. One of the best ways to prevent Toy Fox Terrier stress is through mental stimulation. Puzzle toys and feeder bowls can help your Toy Fox Terrier’s brain stay active and alert and prevent your dog from becoming stressed due to boredom. These stimulating toys can help distract them from usual causes of stress, such as a busy house or loud noises. Having something to channel their energy into can be a great outlet for relieving stress.

Another great way to keep your dog stimulated is through activities such as daily walks, visits to the dog park, and socializing. All of these activities will keep your dog busy and prevent an abundance of stressed energy from forming. Since Toy Fox Terriers are such active dogs, it’s very important to ensure that they have a lot of exercise and tasks to keep them busy every day. Without them, they may become stressed and look for inappropriate ways to handle this feeling. The last thing that any Toy Fox Terrier owner wants to come home to is a bunch of chewed-up shoes—a situation that could have been avoided if their dog wasn’t feeling stressed.

Through practice and trial and error, you can find the stress management strategy that works best for you and your Toy Fox Terrier. Once you do, you and your beloved Toy Fox Terrier can enjoy an abundance of relatively stress-free years together.

close up of brown toy fox terrier

Toy Fox Terrier Anxiety

Along with stress, all dogs are likely to experience anxiety more than once in their life. This can be caused by several things, such as new places or people, lack of routine, being alone, and much more. What causes anxiety for a specific dog depends on many factors, such as their breed, age, personal history, personality, and other factors. Finding what causes your Toy Fox Terrier anxiety and ways to combat it can help both of you live the happiest and healthiest lives possible.

Anxiety can impact your Toy Fox Terrier’s life by making them feel uneasy, nervous, and distressed on a day-to-day basis. Anxiety creates anxious energy, and your dog will look for ways to release this energy. This can include inappropriate behaviors that they may be punished for. If your Toy Fox Terrier isn’t given appropriate ways to combat anxiety and then gets in trouble for the ones that they choose, this can lead to even more anxiety. This is why it’s so important to identify the correct way to handle Toy Fox Terrier anxiety and avoid the impacts it can have on their life.

While anxiety is unenjoyable for any Toy Fox Terrier, and it may impact their quality of life and happiness, thankfully it won’t shorten their life. You don’t have to worry about missing out on any valuable days with your beloved pup because of it. However, as an owner, there are plenty of things you can do to lessen your Toy Fox Terrier’s anxiety and give them the best life possible.

One of the best ways to prevent anxiety in Toy Fox Terriers is through exercise. As with stress, high-energy activities can serve as an outlet for the extra energy that anxiety causes. Long walks, games of fetch, trips to the dog park, and other activities can help minimize the anxiety that your dog usually feels throughout the day.

Brain stimulation is also a great way to reduce anxiety in Toy Fox Terriers. Puzzle toys, feeder bowls, and socialization are great ways to keep their brain busy and prevent them from feeling overly anxious throughout the day and when anxiety triggers arise.

Separation Anxiety

As stated before, there are a variety of things that can trigger anxiety in any dog. For Toy Fox Terriers, one of these common triggers is being by themselves. Having anxiety when an owner leaves is called separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is a common experience for many dogs, including Toy Fox Terriers. Dogs that form an especially strong bond with their owner are more likely to develop and experience separation anxiety, which emerges whenever their owners leave. They may chew their fur and skin, causing hot spots and other health issues. Toy Fox Terriers with separation anxiety may howl and whine, which can be troublesome for those with nearby neighbors. Thankfully, separation anxiety can be easily combated and even prevented in Toy Fox Terriers.

One of the best ways to prevent separation anxiety in Toy Fox Terriers is by socializing your Toy Fox Terrier puppy from a young age. Dogs that have not been socialized from a young age are more likely to develop fears of environmental and social situations. Because of these fears, they may become extra anxious when they are left by themselves.

Socializing your Toy Fox Terrier is a relatively easy task that is known to reduce the chances of separation anxiety in Toy Fox Terriers as they grow into adults. You do this by introducing them to new places, people, and dogs and helping your Toy Fox Terrier to encounter things in a safe environment. This will allow them to ease their fears and be less anxious about the unknown when you are away.

Another good way to prevent separation anxiety in Toy Fox Terrier puppies and adults is by crate training them. This process teaches them that they have a safe space of their own to retreat to when they are feeling anxious. When introducing crate training, be sure not to lock your Toy Fox Terrier inside the crate until they willingly go inside on their own and feel comfortable within the crate. This will prevent a negative association with the crate, which would possibly turn into another cause of anxiety for your Toy Fox Terrier rather than a prevention of it.

Various supplements can be added to the diet of your Toy Fox Terrier to reduce anxiety. CBD is widely known to help combat anxiety in dogs, including Toy Fox Terriers, along with many other breeds. This naturally occurring compound calms dogs and won’t negatively impact their health. Be sure to consult with your vet before adding any supplements to your Toy Fox Terrier’s diet, including CBD.

Unfortunately, whether it is regular anxiety or separation anxiety, canine anxiety is an unavoidable part of life for any dog, including Toy Fox Terriers. Though Toy Fox Terriers may become anxious, there are a lot of ways to prevent and ease this condition.

Toy Fox Terrier Allergies

Allergies are one component of physical health that is important for all dog owners to consider, including those who own a Toy Fox Terrier. In dogs, there are three typical types of allergies, including flea allergies, food allergies, and skin allergies. All of these can affect dogs in different ways and cause various symptoms, the most typical being itchy skin and recurring ear infections.

Allergies are caused by a hypersensitive immune system. This hypersensitive immune system reacts to foreign substances and attacks them. Foreign substances include harmless things such as grass, dust, pollen, and even common food ingredients such as chicken or wheat. Though they seem harmless to others, your Toy Fox Terrier’s immune system can see these allergens as a threat and attack them. When the immune system attacks, it triggers an allergic reaction. Knowing what causes an allergic reaction for your Toy Fox Terrier and what to do about it is the key to preventing the impacts of this condition.

toy fox terrier laying on couch

Food Allergies

One of the most commonly inherited health conditions seen in Toy Fox Terriers is food allergies. Though this breed is prone to inheriting this condition, that doesn’t mean that it is inevitable. Many Toy Fox Terriers will go their entire lives without ever experiencing food or any other types of allergies. Food allergies can start at any age, but they are most commonly developed in young adult Toy Fox Terriers.

Symptoms of allergies in dogs look different than allergy symptoms in humans. Humans who are experiencing allergies typically have a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and even hives. Dogs, on the other hand, will usually have itchy skin, ear infections, and possible vomiting and diarrhea when they are experiencing food allergies.

These symptoms can affect your Toy Fox Terrier’s life in a variety of ways. A Toy Fox Terrier who is experiencing itchiness from food allergies may feel like they have an itch (or many) that can never be fully satisfied. This can make them feel distressed or even lethargic. In addition, this constant itching can lead to skin issues such as hot spots and fur loss.

Recurring ear infections that are caused by allergies can be a very unpleasant experience for any Toy Fox Terrier. These infections are painful and uncomfortable, and having them recurrently due to allergies can be very uncomfortable for any dog. If you notice that your Toy Fox Terrier has an ear infection that always comes back despite treatment, this may be because they are experiencing allergies.

Allergy symptoms and signs are usually easy to spot. A Toy Fox Terrier who has food allergies may constantly lick, bite, scratch, and rub at areas that have been irritated because of the allergies. They may chew at their paws, rub their ears a lot, or show other signs of skin irritation. Finally, vomiting and diarrhea are very serious signs of food allergies that should be addressed immediately. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Toy Fox Terrier, be sure to get them to the vet as soon as possible.

Food allergies can be caused by a wide variety of allergens that are very commonly used in traditional dog foods. Chicken, beef, soy, and much more can trigger allergic reactions in various dogs. Because of this, diagnosing the exact allergen that your Toy Fox Terrier is allergic to can be difficult and usually needs to be done by a vet. They will likely use a prescription diet and allergy testing to diagnose and treat allergies.

Elimination diets are a great way to target food allergens. Start by feeding your Toy Fox Terrier a limited ingredient diet for eight weeks. After this, begin adding other ingredients to your Toy Fox Terrier’s diet. When you see symptoms again, you will be able to pinpoint the ingredient that caused them. Be sure to consult with your vet before beginning an elimination diet and to work with them on this process.

Once the allergen has been identified, the best way to eliminate allergy symptoms is to no longer use this ingredient in their diet. After you have made this change, your Toy Fox Terrier will see a big reduction or even absence of food allergy symptoms. Food allergies won’t shorten the life expectancy of your Toy Fox Terrier, so you can still enjoy many happy and healthy years together after identifying and eliminating problematic allergens from your pet’s diet.

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Toy Fox Terrier Gut Health

When it comes to the overall health of a Toy Fox Terrier, gut health is one of the most important components. These dogs are more prone to stomach and gut issues than other breeds. Issues arise from the fact that a very large portion of the immune system is housed in the gut. This means that if the gut is unhealthy, the immune system’s functioning may be compromised. With a compromised immune system, Toy Fox Terriers will have a much harder time fighting off infections, viruses, and other illnesses.

As always, just because a dog is prone to a certain stomach condition doesn’t mean they are destined to develop it. Many dogs will go their entire lives without ever experiencing any stomach issues. For Toy Fox Terriers who do develop problems, the most common gut health issues are food allergies, stomach sensitivity, and bloat. Since food allergies have already been discussed, we’ll go ahead and dive into the other gut health issues.

Stomach Sensitivity

Stomach sensitivity is a common digestive issue that any dog can experience. This is defined in Toy Fox Terriers by more than two episodes of any gastrointestinal upset in a short time. These upsets can include diarrhea, vomiting, and loose stool.

A sensitive stomach can impact the life of Toy Fox Terriers in a variety of ways. This condition can cause discomfort and even other health issues when not managed properly. A sensitive stomach may cause lethargy, which may cause activities they love to become challenging. Going for a walk or playing can be unenjoyable when your Toy Fox Terrier has pain or discomfort in its stomach.

Stomach sensitivity on its own won’t shorten shorten your pet’s life expectancy, but if it’s caused by an underlying condition this may not be the case. Underlying conditions can have varying effects on life expectancy and should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.

Thankfully, stomach sensitivity can easily be combatted and managed at home in a variety of different ways. Diets with limited ingredients are very promising in helping your Toy Fox Terrier to overcome their sensitive stomach. Limited ingredient foods are easier to digest and minimize digestive issues.

In addition to limited ingredient diets, probiotic supplements can be used to help reverse or combat sensitive stomach issues. Your Toy Fox Terrier’s stomach is a microbiome of various bacterias that keep them healthy and digest their foods. When the balance of this microbiome becomes abnormal for a variety of reasons, they can experience digestive health issues. One type of bacteria that may become unbalanced is called probiotics. Adding probiotics back into your Toy Fox Terrier’s body through their daily diet can help rebalance their intestinal flora and prevent stomach sensitivities. As always, be sure to consult with your vet before beginning supplementation.

With dietary changes, supplements, and other vet-directed remedies, you can ensure that your Toy Fox Terrier lives a healthy and happy life despite their sensitive stomach.

toy fox terrier running through park

Bloat

Though bloat is most commonly seen in large dog breeds, it can still affect Toy Fox Terriers. Also known as Gastric Dilation Volvulus or GDV, this is when a dog’s stomach expands and has a high amount of pressure. Unlike common bloat in humans, Gastric Dilation Volvulus is extremely dangerous and can be fatal when not treated immediately.

Gastric Dilation Volvulus occurs when a dog’s stomach spins around itself and becomes twisted at both ends. This twisting causes a backup of liquids, gases, and other stomach contents that can’t escape. This backup causes excess pressure inside the stomach, causing it to expand and become bloated. If not treated immediately, this condition is highly dangerous and can even be fatal.

Though no exact cause has been pinpointed, there are a few factors that are believed to contribute to the development of GVD. Ingesting excess amounts of food or water, delayed bowel movements, and too much physical activity can all lead to this type of bloating.

While this condition is very scary, luckily there are ways to prevent it as an owner. Toy Fox Terriers who are fed twice or more per day are far less likely to develop Gastric Dilation Volvulus. Be sure to feed your dog more than once daily to ensure you are preventing bloat the best that you can. The rate of a Toy Fox Terrier’s eating also seems to have an impact on a dog’s likelihood of developing bloat. Those who eat faster seem to be more at risk. Feeding your Toy Fox Terrier with a feeder bowl is one of the best ways to slow down their eating rate and prevent bloat. While bloat may be scary, these simple steps will reduce your Toy Fox Terrier’s risk of ever experiencing this condition.

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Toy Fox Terrier Eye Health

One commonly overlooked component of overall Toy Fox Terrier health is eye health. It’s often believed that if eyes look healthy and a Toy Fox Terrier can see, then there is nothing to worry about. While this may commonly be the case, it’s a good idea to know the most common eye health issues your dog may experience.

As always, it’s important to remember that not all dogs who are prone to a condition will experience it. Many Toy Fox Terriers will live happy, healthy lives without any eye health issues. Still, it’s important to know the ones that they are prone to, which in this breed’s case are Persistent Pupillary Membranes and Dermoids.

Persistent Pupillary Membranes

One common eye health issue for Toy Fox Terriers to experience is called Persistent Pupillary Membranes. These membranes are part of the typical embryonic growth of all dogs and even other non-canine species. Pupillary membranes start as a solid mesodermal sheet of tissue, which disappear when the pupil forms later. When this tissue doesn’t completely disappear, strands of it can become attached to other eye areas, causing abnormal eye function issues. These pieces of tissue, known as persistent pupillary membranes, may attach themselves to another surface of the iris, lens, or cornea.

Toy Fox Terriers that are 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. When lens clouding occurs due to pupillary membranes, it generally doesn’t worsen over time, though sometimes it might.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent persistent pupillary membranes in Toy Fox Terriers. This is why getting regularly scheduled examinations for your Toy Fox Terrier is so important. During these routine exams, your vet will check to see if your Toy Fox Terrier has any eye problems such as persistent pupillary membranes. They will also check if this condition is getting worse or better, and determine what next steps need to be taken. There is no good treatment for Toy Fox Terriers who are experiencing persistent pupillary membranes, but thankfully this condition often resolves on its own.

Dermoid

Another common eye health issue for Toy Fox Terriers to face is called dermoid. Like persistent pupillary membranes, this condition is caused by embryonic development and can’t be prevented.

Dermoids are overgrowths of normal skin that are simply in the wrong location. These occur because of abnormal development of an embryo when in utero, rather than by environmental or genetic causes. Toy Fox Terriers that experience dermoids are born with this condition.

Around the eye, dermoids can occur as abnormal skin that is growing on the normal skin of the face or eyelids, on the conjunctiva, or the cornea. These abnormal skin growths can affect a Toy Fox Terrier’s ability to blink, which is essential to corneal health, and they can even obstruct a Toy Fox Terrier’s vision.

Dermoids are usually able to be spotted visually, as they look like extra skin growing over the surface of the eye. These dermoids can cause eye redness, excess tears, discharge, and even corneal ulcers. This condition must be diagnosed and treated by a vet, and it isn’t life-threatening. You and your Toy Fox Terrier can still live a full and happy life together despite the diagnosis of dermoids.

The most common treatment for dermoids is surgical removal. This removal allows the eye to function normally and eliminates bothersome symptoms that may be impacting the life of your Toy Fox Terrier. The need for vet intervention when it comes to dermoids highlights the importance of routine vet examinations. During these examinations, your vet may be able to spot dermoids that you hadn’t noticed before. Thanks to these reliable veterinary professionals, your Toy Fox Terrier can live a healthy and happy life despite common eye health obstacles.

Eye health can be a concerning and troublesome issue for Toy Fox Terrier owners, especially since these common issues can often go overlooked. Routine examinations are the best ways to combat the common eye health issues that Toy Fox Terriers face. Thankfully, neither of these common eye health issues is life-threatening, and they can be resolved naturally or with medical assistance. By keeping watch on your Toy Fox Terrier’s health, you can provide them with the most comfortable, fulfilling, and happy life possible. And what dog owner doesn’t want to do just that?

toy fox terrier in front of blue background

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Toy Fox Terrier Ear Health

Toy Fox Terriers are known for their adorable, pointy ears. These ears are the key to these dogs’ hunting success as they make them more able to gauge their surroundings and hear prey that is rather far away. But this ear shape can come with a price. Toy Fox Terriers can be more prone to certain ear health conditions than other dogs, such as ear infections and inherited deafness.

Just because Toy Fox Terriers are prone to these conditions doesn’t mean that every Toy Fox Terrier will experience them. Many Toy Fox Terriers will go their entire lives without any ear pain or other issues. Nevertheless, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of these common ear health issues. This way, if they do arise, you will be able to get your Toy Fox Terrier the medical care that they need promptly.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are the most common ear health issue for any dog, including Toy Fox Terriers, to experience. These infections can be caused by a variety of things, such as debris, lack of regular cleaning, longer ear hairs, flea waste, and more. Even food and skin allergies can lead to ear infections.

Ear infections are very painful for Toy Fox Terriers. One or both ears may become infected at the same time—and your pet will usually let you know about it by their behavior. When experiencing an ear infection, a Toy Fox Terrier will likely rub at the infected ear with their paw to try to ease the pain and discomfort that they are feeling. They may shake their head a lot or even show obvious signs of ear pain, such as yelping when their ear is touched. A crust in and around the ear is another obvious sign of an ear infection, along with a smelly odor coming from the ear.

Ear infections need to be treated by a vet, though you can still take steps at home to prevent them from developing. Regular ear cleaning is very important when it comes to avoiding Toy Fox Terrier ear infections. These ear cleanings will be performed during grooming sessions, though you should still keep up with ear cleaning in between trips to the groomer. In addition, if your Toy Fox Terrier has long hairs in and around their ear, consider trimming or plucking them regularly. This will help to ensure no excess debris gets caught in these longer hairs, which can commonly lead to ear infections.

Ensuring your dog is flea-free is a great way to avoid ear infections. Flea waste can get caught in the ears and cause infections. Thankfully, ridding your Toy Fox Terrier of fleas is relatively easy. Flea baths, shampoos, drops, pills, and much more can be used to eliminate fleas and the ear infections that they may cause.

While ear infections can be stressful for both you and your Toy Fox Terrier, luckily they can be prevented easily and treated by your vet. While these infections may be uncomfortable and painful, they won’t shorten the life expectancy of your Toy Fox Terrier. Once treated, your Toy Fox Terrier can go back to living a normal and healthy life.

If you notice that ear infections seem to keep coming back even after your Toy Fox Terrier has been treated, this may be because they are occurring due to skin allergies. Recurring ear infections should be mentioned to your vet so that they can decide on the proper next steps to take.

Deafness

Inherited deafness is commonly seen in American Toy breeds compared to other dogs, and this includes Toy Fox Terriers. Dogs that inherit deafness are born deaf in one or both of their ears. Unfortunately, this can’t be prevented since it is a genetically caused condition, though Toy Fox Terriers who are deaf can still live very happy and normal lives.

Deaf Toy Fox Terriers can even be trained just as hearing dogs can be. The only difference between training a deaf dog and training a hearing dog is that you will use hand signals instead of verbal commands. With some time and practice, your deaf Toy Fox Terrier will be sitting, lying down, and much more.

Though owning a deaf Toy Fox Terrier may take some adjusting, this condition won’t shorten their life expectancy. Deaf Toy Fox Terriers can still live long, healthy lives despite this condition.

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Immune Health of Toy Fox Terriers

As mentioned earlier, immune health is a very important component of a Toy Fox Terrier’s overall health. Their immune system fights off basic infections, viruses, diseases, and much more. Without it, everyday bacteria and germ encounters could be deadly.

Just like any other bodily system, the immune system can have problems of its own. Immune system dysfunctions are called autoimmune disorders. These disorders take place when the immune system attacks its own body, causing a wide variety of issues. Autoimmune disorders can manifest in many different areas of the body and look very different from one another.

toy fox terrier puppy in front of twinkle lights

Hypothyroidism

The most common autoimmune disorder for a Toy Fox Terrier to experience is hypothyroidism. Thyroid gland functioning is an essential component of overall health. Hypothyroidism occurs when Toy Fox Terrier thyroid glands don’t produce and release enough thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. This can occur because of thyroid gland shrinkage or inflammation, which results in a reduced metabolic state.

The reduced metabolic state that occurs due to hypothyroidism in Toy Fox Terriers can have a variety of symptoms. Toy Fox Terriers who are experiencing hypothyroidism may show signs of hair thinning and flaky skin. If you notice that your Toy Fox Terrier is more tired and lethargic than usual, this may also be a symptom of hypothyroidism. Unexplained weight loss or obesity that isn’t caused by dietary or exercise changes may be an indicator of hypothyroidism. A Toy Fox Terrier that seems to be more intolerant of the cold, possibly shivering more than they used to during winter months, may be experiencing this autoimmune disorder. Toy Fox Terrier ears can also be affected by this condition, as many Toy Fox Terriers who have hypothyroidism can experience more ear pain and infections.

Given the wide variety of hypothyroid symptoms, this condition can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may be written off as unrelated to one another. They may occur at different times, making it difficult to identify that they are linked. If you notice one or more of the common hypothyroidism symptoms in your Toy Fox Terrier, be sure to get them to the vet as soon as possible. Treatment is the key to making sure that your Toy Fox Terrier lives a fulfilling, healthy life despite experiencing hypothyroidism.

When left untreated, hypothyroidism can negatively affect the life of your Toy Fox Terrier in a few different ways. Your Toy Fox Terrier may feel unmotivated to do activities that they love due to the lethargy that this condition causes. They may also be more uncomfortable than usual due to the ear problems and cold intolerance that this condition may cause. Thankfully, hypothyroidism can easily be managed by your vet and at home. Some symptoms such as hair loss and flaky skin may take longer to resolve than others, but they will be eliminated with the proper time and treatment.

When it comes to hypothyroidism, the steps you can take as a Toy Fox Terrier owner are relatively simple and easy to do. Following vet-recommended treatments is the best way to manage the symptoms of this condition. In addition, medically approved supplements and food are easy to add to your dog’s life, and they make a big difference.

One very promising way to combat Toy Fox Terrier hypothyroidism at home is through diet and supplementation. Ashwagandha, mushrooms, kelp, and schizandra berry are known to improve thyroid function naturally. Adding these to the diet of your Toy Fox Terrier through food or supplements can be a great way to support their thyroid and combat hypothyroidism. Be sure to consult with your vet before adding any new dietary changes or supplements.

Unfortunately, hypothyroidism in Toy Fox Terriers can’t be prevented. The best way to avoid the lasting effects of hypothyroidism is by getting them diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. During regular vet examinations, the doctor will be able to spot any possible signs of hypothyroidism as soon as possible and get your pet the help that they need.

While hypothyroidism can be a daunting diagnosis, you and your Toy Fox Terrier can easily overcome this condition to experience many happy years together. Understanding the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism is the most important step when it comes to obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Be sure to be vigilant about any hypothyroidism symptoms that may appear, and to seek immediate care if needed. With proper care and lots of love, your Toy Fox Terrier can overcome hypothyroidism symptoms to live the best life possible.

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Toy Fox Terrier Joint Health

Healthy joints are very important for active dogs such as Toy Fox Terriers. Without healthy joints, they are unable to jump, run, and do other forms of exercise that they may love. Toy Fox Terriers can be prone to a variety of joint health issues. None of these are fatal, though they can make your Toy Fox Terrier very uncomfortable and even in pain. Knowing the symptoms of common joint health issues can help you get your Toy Fox Terrier the medical help that they need promptly.

As always, just because a breed is prone to certain health problems does not mean they are destined to experience them. Many Toy Fox Terriers will never experience any form of joint pain or problems. Still, it’s a good idea to know about the most common joint health issues that affect Toy Fox Terriers, which are called patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap becomes dislocated from the thigh bone, causing mobility issues. This can occur in one or both of a Toy Fox Terrier’s hind legs. Whether in one or both legs, it is very painful and uncomfortable for a Toy Fox Terrier to experience.

Kneecap dislocation is typically caused by an abnormality within the joint or limb structures. A common patellar luxation abnormality is the groove of the femur being too shallow or the area where the kneecap attaches to the shinbone being displaced. These structural abnormalities cause pressure to be placed on unusual areas of the knee, which leads to patellar luxation. Since these structural abnormalities can be inherited, Toy Fox Terriers tend to be more prone to patellar luxation than some other breeds.

The most serious ways that patellar luxation can impact your Toy Fox Terrier’s life are through decreased physical abilities and pain. This condition can cause cartilage damage surrounding the joint, which is very painful for your Toy Fox Terrier. Extreme pain and dislocation from this condition can cause increased lameness, impaired mobility, and reduced limb functioning. If you notice your Toy Fox Terrier limping, holding their leg in an abnormal position, or avoiding putting weight on their leg, this may be due to patellar luxation. While this condition is serious, it won’t shorten the life expectancy of your Toy Fox Terrier.

Patellar luxation can vary greatly in severity and the way that it is treated. In some cases, management strategies may be needed. In others, when the dislocation is recurring, surgery may be the best option. The right treatment for your Toy Fox Terrier will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

While vet intervention is required for Toy Fox Terriers with patellar luxation, there are some things that you can do at home to help combat this condition. Anti-inflammatory agents such as turmeric, kelp, and ashwagandha can help reduce pain and increase joint functioning. These agents can easily be added to your dog’s diet through food and supplements. Be sure to consult with your vet before beginning supplementation or dietary changes.

Weight management is another effective method to prevent patellar luxation in Toy Fox Terriers. One of the best ways is to keep your Toy Fox Terrier at a healthy weight. This will avoid excess pressure on their knee that can lead to patellar luxation.

Whether you treat your pet in the vet’s office or at home, medical advice is important. Be sure to consult with your vet to come up with patellar luxation prevention and treatment strategies that will work for you and your Toy Fox Terrier.

close up of toy fox terrier in front of black background

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease generally affects smaller breeds, such as Toy Fox Terriers. Causing joint pain and damage, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease manifests in the hip joint and causes wearing and arthritic changes. Toy Fox Terriers with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease typically limp, hold their hind leg abnormally, have less strength in their hind legs which may sit lower, and have a harder time participating in high exercise activities. If your dog is resisting long walks or jumping up onto the couch, it may be because of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.

This condition can be commonly confused with hip dysplasia because of similar symptoms and joint effects. The main difference between Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease and hip dysplasia is the cause of this wear and tear. With hip dysplasia, scar tissue and painful symptoms build because of abnormalities within the hip joint itself. With Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, an aseptic death of the head of the femur is the culprit of this wear and tear.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease can be managed by a vet. If you notice any of these symptoms in your Toy Fox Terrier, be sure to get them to a medical professional as soon as possible. With management strategies, you and your Toy Fox Terrier can do all of the things that you love despite Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.

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Toy Fox Terrier Skin and Coat Health

The Toy Fox Terrier coat comes in handy for a variety of things. With so much time spent outdoors, their coat keeps them protected from sharp branches, bugs, bushes, and much more. This is just part of the reason why ensuring your Toy Fox Terrier’s skin and coat are as healthy as possible is so important. Toy Fox Terrier skin and coats that are unhealthy can lead to hair loss, hot spots, cold intolerance, and much more.

Like any dogs, Toy Fox Terriers are more prone to some specific skin and coat health issues than other dogs. Knowing the conditions that they are prone to can help you recognize symptoms as soon as they arise and seek medical care promptly. For Toy Fox Terriers, the most common skin and coat issue to develop is called demodectic mange.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange is caused by a parasitic mite called Demodex Canis. These mites live in the hair follicles of dogs such as Toy Fox Terriers. All dogs have a few of these microscopic mites on their skin, and as long as they have proper immune system functioning, these mites are not harmful. Demodectic mange, on the other hand, occurs when a dog has an immature immune system that allows the number of these mites to increase greatly.

Because this type of condition only occurs in dogs with poor immune system functioning, it’s most commonly seen in dogs less than 18 months old, older dogs, or dogs with weakened immune systems due to illness or medications.

Demodectic mange is the most common type of mange found in all dog breeds. It’s not contagious to other dogs or animals and can be hereditary. Since immune system functioning is inherited, Demodectic mange caused by poor immune system functioning can also be passed from generation to generation. As always, just because a dog is prone to a condition doesn’t mean that developing it is inevitable. Many Toy Fox Terriers will go their entire lives without experiencing Demodectic mange.

Demodectic mange symptoms typically include hair thinning around the eyelids, lips, corners of the mouth, and the front legs. Redness, scaling, swelling, and crusts can develop on the entire body. Sometimes Demodectic mange only shows up in localized areas, and in generalized cases, it can develop on all areas of the body.

Demodectic mange must be diagnosed and treated by a vet. During diagnosis, your vet will take a scraping of skin cells to analyze under a microscope. If the vet sees an excessive amount of Demodex Canis mites, the existence of Demodectic mange is confirmed. Once diagnosed, your vet can choose from several methods to combat and manage this condition.

Localized forms of Demodectic mange are typically treated with a topical medication, while generalized forms require more aggressive treatments. Special shampoos, dips, and oral medications are usually the best ways to treat generalized mange. In some cases, when a secondary skin infection has developed in addition to Demodectic mange, your Toy Fox Terrier will need to undergo antibiotic treatment.

Treatment may also include retesting the skin with scrapings over time. Since this condition can take time to resolve, and some treatments may work better for certain Toy Fox Terriers than others, it’s important to stay up to date on skin scrapings and treatment strategies. In doing so, you will give your Toy Fox Terrier the best possible shot at beating Demodectic mange.

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Unfortunately, since immature immune systems are typically inherited, there are no promising ways to prevent Demodectic mange in your Toy Fox Terrier. Ensuring that they attend routine examinations is one of the best ways to catch mange early and minimize symptoms. Toy Fox Terriers under 18 months, on medications, or who become ill should especially be watched for Demodectic mange while their immune system functioning isn’t at its best.

While Demodectic mange may sound intimidating, it won’t shorten your Toy Fox Terrier’s life expectancy. You and your beloved Toy Fox Terrier can still live happy, normal lives together despite this condition. With the help of you and your vet, your Toy Fox Terrier is sure to live the most fulfilling life possible.

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