Parkway Animal Hospital's

PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO

Toy Breed Puppies

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The small toy breeds require much more care and attention during the first few weeks after weaning than do the larger breeds of dogs. Remember that this pup has undergone quite a bit of stress during the last few days. The environment has been totally changed.

• Keep the puppy warm. Remember that it is about 10 degrees colder on the floor than at eye level because heat rises. Be sure the puppy does not stay DIRECTLY on a cold floor (especially concrete), or near a draft. We highly recommend the use of airline shipping crates for the bed and to aid in housetraining. SEE HOUSEBREAKING and CRATE TRAINING for more information.
• Feed four to six times each day. We suggest starting with premium high quality pet foods, such as Science Diet Growth (SEE PREMIUM FOODS for more information). Feed the puppy all it will eat in 15 minutes and then take the food away. Do not leave food out all the time. Decrease feeding to 3-4 times daily when the puppy is 8-10 weeks of age, providing it is eating well. Do not feed table scraps or milk, unless they are mixed with the regular food. It is also advisable to feed a small amount of high quality canned food 3 times each day if the puppy is a finicky eater. Keep the pup ISOLATED from other dogs as much as possible until it’s immunization series is complete
• When you feel it’s necessary to bathe your pup be sure to keep it warm after the bath. You may even dry it’s coat with a hairdryer.
• Feed NUTRI-CAL™ according to our directions to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can develop in these puppies, especially if they do not eat well. This condition can result in seizures. Watch for weakness and tremors as signs of low blood sugar.
• NOTIFY the CLINIC if your puppy should not eat for 24 hours, vomit, develop diarrhea, or appear sick in any other way.