Breeds & Care

Hypoglycemia in Toy Breeds

Hypoglycemia is a sudden drop in blood sugar. Tiny breeds — including Cavapoos and especially Yorkiepoos — are vulnerable until about 4–6 months of age because their bodies cannot store glucose efficiently. Stress, skipped meals, chilling, or excess play can trigger an episode.

Warning signs

• Lethargy, weakness, or wobbly gait
• Pale or grayish gums
• Cold body, shivering
• Glassy or unfocused eyes
• Tremors, collapse, or seizures

Prevention

• Feed small meals every 3–4 hours; never let your puppy go more than 4 hours without food while awake
• Keep your puppy warm and calm during the first week home
• Limit handling, baths, and high-energy play in the first 48 hours
• Always have Nutri-Cal or Karo syrup on hand

Emergency response

1. Rub a pea-sized amount of Nutri-Cal (or ½ tsp Karo syrup) onto the gums
2. Wrap the puppy in a warm towel
3. Once alert, offer a small meal of the puppy's regular food
4. Call your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately — even if the puppy recovers

First Vet Visit & Ongoing Care

Schedule your puppy's first wellness visit within 72 hours of pickup — this is required by our health guarantee and helps you build a relationship with a vet you trust.

• Bring the health record, vaccine record, and microchip information we provide
• Ask for a fecal parasite check
• Discuss heartworm and flea/tick prevention timing
• Plan future booster visits around the schedule below
• Discuss spay/neuter timing — most small breeds benefit from waiting until 9–12 months

Vaccination Schedule

We complete the first round before your puppy goes home. You and your vet will continue the series.

Avoid public dog areas (parks, pet stores, sidewalks heavily trafficked by dogs) until 7–10 days after the final puppy DHPP. Carry your puppy when out in public spaces before then.

Training & Socialization

Crate training

Make the crate a safe, positive space — feed meals inside, never use it for punishment. Puppies under 12 weeks should not be crated longer than 2–3 hours during the day.

Potty training

• Take outside immediately after waking, eating, drinking, and play
• Use a consistent verbal cue and reward immediately after success
• Expect accidents until ~5–6 months — clean with enzymatic cleaner, never punish

Foundation cues

Sit, down, come, and gentle leash walking — short 3–5 minute sessions, several times a day. Use small treats and positive reinforcement only. No leash corrections or aversive tools on small breeds.

Socialization window (up to 16 weeks)

Expose your puppy gently to varied sights, sounds, surfaces, and calm people. Puppy classes after the second vaccine round are highly recommended. Avoid dog parks and unknown dogs until fully vaccinated.

Feeding & Nutrition

• 3–4 small meals per day until 12 weeks; 3 meals through 6 months; 2 meals as adults
• Stay on the food we send home — transition new food slowly over 7–10 days
• Fresh water always available
• Treats no more than 10% of daily calories
• Never feed: chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (sugar-free gum/peanut butter), macadamia nuts, cooked bones, alcohol

Grooming

Poodle-mix coats need consistent care. Brush 2–3× per week (daily during coat change ~6–9 months). First professional groom around 12–16 weeks — keep it short and positive. Trim nails every 2–3 weeks. Clean ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week.

Red Flags — Call Your Vet

• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 12 hours, or with blood
• Refusal to eat or drink for more than 12 hours
• Any signs of hypoglycemia (see above)
• Labored breathing, persistent coughing, or pale gums
• Sudden lethargy, collapse, or seizure activity
• Suspected toxin ingestion — also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435