Puppies: Puppies need higher levels of protein for their muscles, calories for growth, and calcium for healthy bones. If your toy poodle is a puppy under 12 months of age, feed it dog food that is specially designed for puppies. These are usually labelled as “puppy food” or “growth” foods. [2] X Research source Canine Nutrition. Case, Daristotle et al. Mosby. 3rd edition. Choose a puppy food designed for toy dogs. This is because the kibble size is smaller and easier for your puppy’s tiny teeth to deal with. Adult dogs: When your dog reaches about 12 months of age, feed it food formulated for adult dogs. Keep them on this food until they are about 7 years old. These foods are nutritionally balanced to provide an adult dog’s dietary needs. Senior dogs: When your adult toy poodle is 7 years and older, switch to a senior food. These contain reduced level of minerals such as phosphate that the kidney finds more difficult to process. By switching to a senior food, you can help protect your pet’s renal function. [3] X Research source Canine Nutrition. Case, Daristotle et al. Mosby. 3rd edition.
If possible, start your toy poodle pup on a complete dry diet to help promote dental health. Look for a food designed for toy breeds, which will make chewing on the kibble less troublesome.
Puppies: Feed your toy poodle puppy small meals frequently. The general rule is 4 meals a day up to 3 months of age; 3 meals a day up to 6 months of age; 2 meals a day from 6 months through adulthood. Adult and senior dogs: Feed your adult or senior dog 2 meals per day. Two meals is recommended because a toy poodle’s small stomach capacity means he prefers to eat smaller meals more often. [4] X Research source Canine Nutrition. Case, Daristotle et al. Mosby. 3rd edition.
Puppies have a soft coat, which starts to be replaced by adult fur from about 6-9 months of age. A full changeover to the adult coat can take until the pet is 18 months old.
Groom the entire coat and be sure to comb behind the ears and under the tummy.
This is usually done at a dog grooming parlor, but with access to good dog clippers, some practice, and plenty of time, you can learn to clip a dog yourself.
Some experts’ opinions vary about whether or not to pluck this hair. The argument for hair plucking is that is allows better air circulation and thus reduces the chances of ear infections, and that it removes hair that can trap earwax. Some argue, however, that hair plucking can leave your dog’s ears sore and inflamed. [6] X Research source Canine Internal Medicine Secrets. Ruben. Publisher: Hanley and Belfus.
You can also use a finger brush, which is available from your vet or a major pet retailer). You can reduce dental tartar buildup by feeding dry food to your dog. Eating wet food can create more dental problems. If your dog eats wet food, get into the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth every day. [7] X Research source Veterinary Dentistry: A Team Approach. Holmstrom. Publisher Saunders. 2nd edition.
It is worth investing time and effort into keeping your pet’s teeth clean in order to reduce the number of dental cleanings your pet may need.
Vaccination is essential even if you carry your toy poodle everywhere, or he rarely goes outside. This is because some infections such as parvovirus are caused by particularly hardy viruses that can attach to your shoes. Therefore, they can still pose a risk to even the most pampered of poodles. Talk with your vet about implanting a microchip in your dog. A microchip will help you track the dog if he gets lost.
If spaying is done before the female’s second heat, this also has a beneficial effect in vastly reducing her risk of developing mammary cancer in later life. Toy poodles often live into their teens. Each time a bitch has a season, it weakens the lining of her womb and makes her more likely to develop a pyometra, which is a potentially life-threatening womb infection. Thus, spaying whilst she is fit and strong removes the possibility of needing emergency surgery in later life when anesthesia can pose a higher risk. [8] X Research source Breed Predispositions to Disease in the Canine and Feline. Gough. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell. 2nd edition Neutering a male toy poodle does not give the same compelling health benefits. Neutering a male is mainly done to prevent unwanted breeding and to control behavioral issues such as aggression or dominance. Talk with your vet to learn more. Discussing your dog’s health with your vet will give you a good idea about which direction to take.
Watch for signs that indicate a problem, such as increased thirst, urinary accidents, coughing, lack of energy, bad breath, difficulty chewing, or weight loss. If you see any of these symptoms, speak to your vet. [10] X Research source Breed Predispositions to Disease in the Canine and Feline. Gough. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell. 2nd edition
For example, call him to you and when he comes, give him a treat. [12] X Research source The Happy Puppy Handbook : Your Definitive Guide to Puppy Training and Early Care. Pippa Mattinson. Ebury Digital Publishing
Give your dog some dog puzzles to keep him occupied. These are available in major pet retailers or online). [14] X Research source The Happy Puppy Handbook : Your Definitive Guide to Puppy Training and Early Care. Pippa Mattinson. Ebury Digital Publishing Many toy poodles will enjoy pursuits such as agility training on circuits adapted to small breeds. [15] X Research source BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behaviour. Horwitz & Mills. BSAVA Publications.
