Your Puppy Care Guide

Bringing home a new Toy or Miniature Poodle puppy comes with a lot of questions. Here’s what I tell every one of my families, gathered in one place. This is general guidance, not a substitute for your veterinarian — when in doubt, call your vet or reach out to me directly.

Vaccine & Deworming Schedule

Puppies need a series of vaccines, not just one, because the immunity they get from their mother fades gradually and unevenly. Your puppy will come to you having started this series, and it’s important to keep it on schedule with your vet.

• 6–8 weeks: First round of core vaccines (distemper, parvo, etc.) and first deworming, typically done before you take your puppy home.
• 10–12 weeks: Second round of core vaccines, continued deworming.
• 14–16 weeks: Third round of core vaccines plus rabies (timing varies by state).
• Ongoing: Booster schedule set by your vet, typically annual after the first year.

Keep your puppy away from unvaccinated dogs, dog parks, and high-traffic pet areas until the full series is complete — their immune system isn’t fully protected until then.

Feeding & Nutrition

Toy and Miniature Poodle puppies have small stomachs and fast metabolisms, so consistency matters more than quantity.

• Feed a high-quality puppy formula appropriate for small breeds — we send new owners home with the food your puppy is already used to, and recommend transitioning slowly if you switch.
• Small breed puppies typically need 3–4 small meals a day until around 4 months old, then can move to 2–3 meals.
• Always have fresh water available.
• Avoid sudden food changes — mix new food in gradually over 5–7 days to prevent stomach upset.

Potty Training

Toy breeds are notoriously food and routine motivated, which actually makes potty training easier once you find a consistent rhythm.

• Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps, and right before bed.
• Praise and reward immediately after they go in the right spot — timing matters more than the treat itself.
• Watch for circling, sniffing, or sudden stillness — early warning signs it’s time to go outside.
• Accidents happen — clean thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner (not just soap) so the smell doesn’t draw your puppy back to the same spot.

Dental Care

Small breeds are prone to dental issues earlier than larger dogs, so starting a routine young makes a real difference long-term.

• Begin brushing 2–3 times a week with a dog-safe toothpaste as soon as your puppy is comfortable with it.
• Offer appropriate chew toys to help naturally reduce plaque buildup.
• Watch for bad breath, red gums, or reluctance to chew — early signs worth a vet check.
• Plan on professional dental cleanings as recommended by your vet as your dog ages.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Warning signs: lethargy, weakness, wobbliness or loss of coordination, glassy eyes, trembling, or in severe cases, seizures or collapse.

What to do immediately: Rub a small amount of Karo syrup or honey directly onto your puppy’s gums — do not try to get them to eat or drink if they are too weak to swallow safely. Keep them warm. Call your vet or an emergency vet right away, even if they seem to perk up.

Prevention: Stick to a consistent feeding schedule, don’t let your puppy go long stretches without eating, and keep Karo syrup or honey on hand for the first several months, especially while your puppy is very small.

Travel Tips

• Use a secure, well-ventilated carrier for car rides and never let a puppy ride loose in your lap while driving.
• For flying, check your airline’s specific carrier size requirements — most require the carrier to fit fully under the seat in front of you.
• Bring familiar bedding or a worn t-shirt with your scent (or the litter’s) to help reduce travel stress.
• Avoid feeding a full meal right before travel to reduce motion sickness risk; small amounts of water are fine.
• Keep vaccination records with you when traveling, especially across state lines.