How to Care for Poodles

White poodle

Intelligent and loyal, poodles make wonderful pets for both children and adults. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy. Their loving disposition and openness have made them a very popular pet for many years. Poodles do not require a large amount of space, and make great pets for people living in apartments or crowded cities. When well cared for, poodles have been known to live up to 17 years.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cotton Balls
• Dog collar or harness
• Dog leash
• Dog toothbrush
• Dog toothpaste

1. Take your poodle on annual visits to the veterinarian. This is the best preventative care for many of the health conditions poodles are prone to. The vet will also be able to tell you when your poodle needs to have its shots updated and with any problems you may be having. Developing a relationship with a vet can also be helpful in case your poodle become ill or injured.

2. Feed your poodle a nutritious diet of high quality dog food. Good nutrition will help your poodle maintain its beautiful coat and add years to its life. Look for dog foods that list meat as the first ingredient. Your vet can also recommend dog foods that would be appropriate for your pet. If you have a miniature or toy poodle, it is best to get food that comes in small pieces, since their mouths are smaller and not as strong.

3. Wipe the area near your poodle's eyes with a moist cotton ball daily. Poodles tend to have watery eyes, which can cause build up and discoloration of the area near the tear duct. If this discharge is allowed to build up, it can cause infection in your poodle's eyes and become painful to remove. Some pet supply places sell specialized products for cleaning the eyes, but water works just as well if used regularly.

4. Take your poodle for regular walks. Poodles are very calm dogs, but still require exercise to remain in good health. Short walks are a good way to keep your poodle in shape and for the dog and owner to bond. Buy a lightweight leash to use and a collar or harness that has identification tags, just in case your poodle gets lost.

5. Brush your poodle's teeth at least once a week, but preferably daily. If your poodle's teeth and gums are ignored, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Use a pet toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush your pet's teeth the same way you would brush your own. Your poodle will probably not enjoy the experience the first few times, but will quickly accept it as part of the daily routine.

Tips & Warnings

• Start socializing your poodle when it is a puppy so that it will not become shy and timid.

• Poodles have coats that do not shed, but they still require regular grooming and brushing to keep their healthy appearance.

Resources

• American Kennel Club--Poodle Breed Standards