Congratulations if you’re the proud owner of a new teacup puppy! These little dogs are full of personality and charm and make great pets. However, taking care of a teacup puppy is not the same as taking care of a regular-sized dog.
They require special attention and care to stay healthy and happy. Here we discuss five steps you need to follow to care for your new teacup puppy.
1. Feed Your Puppy a High-Quality Diet Specifically Made for Teacup Puppies
A good diet is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for teacup puppies. They need a diet high in calories and nutrients to help them grow properly. You should avoid giving your puppy table scraps or human food as this can cause them to become sick.
Instead, purchase high-quality teacup puppy food from your veterinarian or a pet store. Feed your puppy several times a day, in small meals. Avoid overfeeding as it can lead to health problems later on. The daily diet should be rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Make Sure Your Puppy Has Plenty of Fresh Water To Drink
Teacup dogs are very small, and as a result, they can become dehydrated very easily. So make sure always to have fresh water available for your puppy to drink, and check the water bowl regularly to ensure it hasn’t run dry.
For example, a teacup chihuahua needs about ¼ cup of water per day, while a Yorkie teacup needs closer to ½ cup per day. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems in teacup dogs, so it’s important to monitor their water intake and ensure they stay hydrated properly.
3. Keep Your Puppy Well Groomed and Bathed
You must brush their coat daily to prevent matting and tangles if you have bought a Maltese teacup. These breeds also require regular professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Teacup dogs have delicate skin, so choose a mild puppy shampoo when bathing them. You should only bathe your teacup puppy every two to three weeks to prevent their skin from drying.
Teacup dogs are also more prone to dental problems than larger dogs, so brushing their teeth daily and taking them for regular checkups with the vet is important.
4. Take Your Puppy To the Vet for Regular Checkups and Vaccinations
It is crucial to keep up with your teacup puppy’s vaccinations. Vaccinating your pup will help prevent them from getting deadly diseases like rabies, distemper, and hepatitis. You should take your teacup puppy to the vet for a checkup every two to three weeks until they are four months old.
Spaying or neutering your teacup puppy when they are four to six months old is also important. It will help prevent health problems later in life, such as cancer.
5. Train Your Puppy Obedience Commands and House Training Tips Early on
Teaching your new puppy tricks and obedience commands keeps their minds active and strengthens the bond between you and your pup.
Start with simple commands like sit, stay, come, down, and leave. Then, as your puppy masters these commands, you can teach them more complicated tricks.
Puppy Therapy has all types and breeds of teacup puppies for adoption. We also have various resources to help you care for your new puppy. Contact us today and get started on the path to puppy parenthood!