How to Take Good Care of Your Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles live to be about 16-18 years old and need a lot of attention. If you are thinking of buying or adopting a toy poodle, or already have one, follow these tips for happy, healthy pet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Your toy poodle will need plenty of water and food. This breed has such a long lifespan that it is especially important to give them the very best nutrition so that their long life is not only happy, but healthy. Talk to your veterinarian about what food is best for your pooch and how much and how often you should be feeding him or her.

2. Good grooming is essential for this pet. Your poodle will need a haircut about every 6-8 weeks. He or she will also need her anal glands expressed and her nails trimmed as often. Poodles get weepy eyes and will need this goop cleaned up almost daily. Your veterinarian will recommend a good cleaner for you if you don't already have one.

3. These dogs do not do well without a lot of attention. It is important that you have a dog walker in the middle of the day if you expect to be out late. They get very lonely.

4. Poodles have lots of energy. However, toy poodles are very small and cannot be expected to go for very long walks. Keep your walks to under 15 minutes and be sure she has plenty of water for hydration.

5. Your pooch will need a nice warm bed of his or her own. Toy poodles are very small and need only a very small bed. Be sure that it is big enough to stretch out on. A bed in a central part of the house will be preferred by your dog. If you do not train your dog to sleep on his or her own bed early be sure she will be begging to sleep in your bed with you. Poodles love companionship day and night.

6. Veterinary visits are essential to keeping your pet healthy. A visit may include vaccinations and blood tests. Toy poodles are prone to getting certain health issues with age so it is very important that they are seen by a veterinarian regularly.

7. Poodles are very loving animals and will do well with families with small children if they are treated well by the entire family. Be sure to introduce the idea of a new baby to your poodle before the baby comes by bringing him or her into the baby room to sniff around. Chances are, he or she already knows you are expecting a new baby so it will not be too surprising. Even though poodles are very loving animals and cherished by their families, it is never a good idea to leave your dog alone with a baby or young child. No more so with poodles than any other breed so no need to fear.

Tips & Warnings

• Contrary to popular belief, Poodles are not hypo-allergenic. However, many people who suffer from canine allergies can live symptom free by following a few simple rules. 1: have someonelse bathe your dog and have the dog bathed frequently, 2: do not use powders after grooming, 3: never let the dog lick you, 4: do not let the dog sleep with you, 5: make sure the dog's bed is washed often.
• Poodles do not shed which is what typically carries dander and make poodles a better option for allergic persons than other breeds (toy poodles will carry even less dander than other size poodles)
• Be sure to test out a poodle before purchasing one if you are afraid you may be allergic.

[flyawayade]

on 8/6/2009 Excellent!! I have a better knowledge of taking good care of my toy poodle, Kiwi. Thanks

[Heart-C]

on 8/7/2008 After reading your article, I think there is reason to believe most dogs who are not accompanied often tend to develop the most problems. 5 stars!

[MidniteWriter]

on 8/6/2008 too cute! All great tips here.

[amylaine]

on 8/6/2008 Love the toy poodles, great article.