Opting for smaller dog breeds is becoming a trend especially among city dwellers. The Kennel Club Secretary Caroline Kisko reminded people not to make the mistake of “thinking small breeds require less exercise and stimulation.” This includes the tiniest of all Poodle variety, the Toy Poodles. These tiny bundles of fluff entail their own special requirements that responsible poodle parents should know.
Toy Poodle exercise advice
Toy poodles, with their endless energy, quickly get bored and may show destructive behaviours without mental and physical stimulation. Despite his diminutive size, Toy poodles require 40 to 60 minutes of daily exercise.
However, owners should recognise the difference between daily exercise and rigorous exercise. Do not over-exercise these tiny pooches. Just like any toy dog breeds, they have fragile bone structures, particularly Toy poodle puppies, which can be left vulnerable to injuries or accidents when over-exercised. Take note that these puppies still have developing joints and bones.
Minimise playful actions such as going up and down the stairs or jumping up and down the furniture. Make it a habit to check on your teacup poodle after every dog walk and watch out for any signs of weakness or fatigue. They are not only susceptible to crippling joint injuries but to hypoglycaemia as well. Hypoglycaemia occurs when the sugar in the blood is reduced to a significant level which can further lead to weaknesses, seizures, and coma.
Read: Top Tips for Training a Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle feeding advice
Consider a long list of nutrients when it comes to reaching the optimal level of health. Choose one with quality animal protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates.
Read the Best Dog Food Ingredients here.
How often should I feed my toy poodle?
A good feeding of high-quality food should be provided daily based on the following amounts:
At 0-3 months, the puppy should be free-fed.
At 3 months until adulthood, he should be given three meals a day.
At adulthood, he should be given two meals a day.
Changes of its amount or specific food can be changed upon the advice of your veterinarian. This usually happens if your tiny pooch is considered or becoming underweight or overweight. Some particular health issues also require a change in diet.
How many calories are recommended for my toy poodle?
Calorie requirements for Toy poodles may vary based on their activity level as well as their stage in life. Here’s a general rundown:
- Toy poodles living as active or working dogs need to consume about 750 calories.
- Adult toy poodles need to consume about 397kcal a day.
- Common adults or those with a moderately active lifestyle need to consume about 331 calories.
- Older ones need to consume 265 calories.
- Pregnant toy poodles need to consume about 331 to 530 kcal per day.
- Lactating ones need to consume about 1325 kcal a day.
Note that these are for general purposes only which means you may need to consult with your vet for the regulation of his diet.
How to switch new dog food for toy poodle?
There are times where you have to change the diet for your pooch. The whole process of gradually introducing new dog food may take about a month or so.
- For the first week: Mix three-fourths of old dog food with one-fourth of new food.
- For the second week: Mix one-half of old dog food with another half of new food.
- For the third week: Mix one-fourth of old dog food with three-fourths of new food.
- For the fourth week: Serve a bowl of the new food.
Lastly, don’t forget to always provide him with fresh water in an accessible area.
Toy Poodle grooming advice
Like larger varieties, Toy poodles shed minimally; however, this does not mean that they require minimal grooming attention. Poodles, in general, sport the look of having long and curly fur which is prone to matting and tangles. Regular brushing should be strictly observed, most especially in their neck and chest. Mind to brush gently in sensitive areas including its ears, head, and chest.
This popular breed looks great in several classic styles.
Teddy Bear style
The teddy bear style is one of the simplest cut of all. His hair is kept at the same length of your choice except for the face and feet.
Lamb cut
Photo Credit: LBC9
This cut follows good trimming at the back and it goes longer towards the neck. The pup is closely shaved leaving its face, feet, and base of the tail free. The overall look should have his coat looking longer not too short.
Continental cut
Photo Credit: arreaustandardpoodles
This is one of the classic looks that made them known popular. Shave the sides, legs, and the back very short. This leaves his hip rosettes, feet, and base of the tail in trimmed in full bloom. The poms on his ankles are kept just above the wrist and hock points, therefore, appearing like “furry bracelets”. The tail stands like a very big pompom.
Toy Poodle pregnancy advice
Poodles, in general, follow a heat cycle for about 3 weeks long with a 63-day gestation period. It is possible for Toy poodles to have one puppy to litter but they can also have as many as five.
Note that in one heat cycle, the Toy poodle can mate multiple times. Once bred, it is best to keep a close eye for any signs of a successful pregnancy. Like humans, they undergo three trimesters during pregnancy.
Click here to check out Poodle pregnancy calendar calculator. However, if you have no plans to breed your little pooch, it is best to have her spayed. It significantly lowers the chances of many diseases including ovarian and mammary cancer.
