| SPECIAL HANDLING! .....Are you sure you want a tiny toy or teacup? If you are looking to adopt a teacup (2-4 lbs. adult size) or a tiny toy (4.5-6 lbs. adult size), there are some things that are imperative to know. Though with proper care these tiny little poos will thrive and live normal, healthy lives, they are so fragile and delicate when born that they need special care. For this reason, we simply cannot place a poo-baby in a home where there are small children, large pets, or where there is not someone available in the home at regular, short intervals, 7 days a week--at least for the first few months of their lives. Because of their fragility, they will not be released for adoption until we feel they are ready to travel. If you are having them shipped, this may be twelve weeks or more. It is preferred that you come to pick them up, so as to not cause them further undue stress. Because they are so tiny, their little digestive systems are unable to hold enough nutrients to maintain normal activity and growth. They are very susceptible to hypoglycemia, also known as "sugar shock", a condition of extremely low blood sugar level which can be fatal if not handled properly and immediately. Signs your pup can be having an attack include vomiting, lethargy, "sunken" eyes, - and one of the quickest ways to be certain is to stand your pup on it's feet. If it crumples to the ground, act fast! Provide supplemental dextrose by giving corn syrup (Karo® Syrup) on the dog’s gums or a 50 percent solution of glucose administered orally (pea-sized drop from eye dropper on tongue). Special care should be taken to be certain the dog has a normal swallowing reflex so as to prevent aspiration of the glucose solution into the lungs. You should see improvement in approximately 10 minutes. This should be repeated at 20 minute intervals until normal activity and behaviors resume. When the puppy begins feeling a little better, feed a good meat-based baby food to level out the sugar in the blood and get some protein in its system. Depending on the severity of the attack, your pup may need to be hospitalized for observation and treatment of hypoglycemia. Blood glucose concentrations may be checked frequently until the pup has been stabilized. Pups suffering from hypoglycemia typically experience low body temperature & should be kept warm and monitored closely. Pups suffering from hypoglycemia often are also dehydrated and a glucose solution is often required either by injection or IV. The majority of pups will not have these attacks, but you MUST be prepared ahead of time! Consider that you are bringing a new baby into your home. Please remember that puppies, like human babies, are NOT self-sufficient! Puppies sleep 80% of the time just like newborn babies. Let them sleep!! All pictures and other content is © 2004-2009, Idaho Jewels Poodles, and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner. |
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- Feed small meals frequently if possible. The diet should be high in protein, fat and
complex carbohydrates. A combination of canned and dry foods fed 3 to 6 times per
day is recommended. (Meat-based baby food puppy.)
- Limit exercise and excitement. Do NOT overhandle new, small puppies!
Overhandle=hold, pet, etc.
- In addition to Karo® Syrup, it's wise to purchase some Nutrical supplement to have
on hand at all times as well as some good meat-based baby food and a syringe/dropper.