Health and Well-being

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Taking Care of Your Puppy

  • The First Night
    • Puppies can leave their mother when they are eight weeks old, but that first night in a new home can cause some anxiety.  Since puppies do not have the bladder control to hold it all night long, a crate is a good option at night.  However, if you choose a crate, we recommend that it be close to you, so the puppy can hear that you are near.  It's instinct is to cry out for the mother's protection, so try to be patient while the little one adjusts to a new environment.
  • Vaccinations
    • There is no set schedule for vaccinations, because it depends greatly on what part of the country you call home and what risk factors are in that area. Your puppy will probably be around other animals, especially when going to the groomer, so we encourage you to consider vaccinations for Canine Parvovirus and Infectious Respirator Disease (commonly known as Kennel Cough).  Puppies normally receive three parvo vaccines between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks, along with an additional vaccine after the first year.  There are two different vaccines for Kennel Cough: one is given every six months and the other is given annually, so ask your veterinarian which one he/she recommends.  The American Kennel Club recommends the following vaccinations, but again be sure to check with your local veterinarian.​

  • Dental Care
    • Even tiny and toy poodles have 42 teeth, but in extra small dogs, those teeth are tight in that little mouth.  We recommend brushing from the start and having your veterinarian check them annually.  Soft food contributes to tartar build-up and dental sticks can decrease tartar.  Remember that you will need to get special toothpaste for dogs, because the kind we use has ingredients that irritate the canine stomach.  Another option is to use a mixture of baking soda and water.
  • Grooming
    • ​A healthy poodle requires some maintenance.  We recommended brushing their coats every other day and taking them to a groomer on a regular basis.  Their face and feet tend to pickup dirt from food and the outdoors, so these areas need to most attention
  • Exercise and Companionship
    • ​Toy poodles are very social animals and your puppy will quickly bond with you and become part of the family.  Fortunately they are smart, eager to please, and even portable, so they can easily be included in many of activities.