Betty’s Teacup Puppies

Puppy Care Guide

Congratulations on your new little companion. Bringing home a tiny toy-breed puppy is the beginning of a beautiful bond, and thoughtful care during the first months can make all the difference.

A Guide From Our Hearts to Yours

Tiny Puppies Need Thoughtful Care

Yorkies, Pomeranians, Maltese, and other very small toy breeds are loving, intelligent, and deeply attached to their families. Their tiny size also means they can be more vulnerable to missed meals, falls, rough handling, environmental hazards, and stress.

The goal is not to make puppy care complicated. It is simply to create a safe routine, pay attention to small changes, and respond early when something does not seem right.

01

Nourishment Is Everything

Very small puppies have limited energy reserves, so consistent nutrition is especially important. Puppies should be offered a complete, age-appropriate puppy diet and fed according to their age, weight, growth, and veterinary recommendations.

• Keep meals consistent and avoid long periods without food.
• Very small puppies may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals.
• Keep fresh water available at all times.
• Avoid sudden food changes whenever possible.
• Monitor appetite, energy, hydration, stool, and body weight during the adjustment period.

If your puppy repeatedly refuses food, vomits, becomes unusually sleepy or weak, or is losing weight, contact your veterinarian promptly.

02

Hypoglycemia Awareness

Toy-breed puppies can be susceptible to low blood sugar, particularly when they are very young, stressed, not eating adequately, or ill.

Signs may include:

• Sudden weakness or unusual sleepiness
• Trembling or wobbliness
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Disorientation
• Collapse or seizures

03

Create a Safe Haven

A secure playpen or properly sized crate gives your puppy a protected place to rest and adjust to their new home.

Include:

• A soft bed or blanket
• Fresh water
• Food area
• Pee-pad area
• Safe puppy-appropriate toys

Rest is important. Tiny puppies can become overtired and overstimulated very easily.

04

The Tiny Dog Shuffle

Tiny puppies can move underfoot in an instant. Until your puppy learns to stay clear of your feet, walk slowly and deliberately without lifting your feet high from the floor.

• Always look before stepping backward or sitting down.
• Do not step over your puppy.
• Teach children and visitors to move carefully.
• Keep your puppy visible and supervised whenever they are loose in the home.

05

Prevent Falls & Jumping

A fall that seems minor for a larger dog can cause significant injury to a very small puppy.

• Do not allow young puppies to jump from beds, sofas, or chairs.
• Hold your puppy securely with full body support.
• Never leave your puppy unattended on elevated surfaces.
• Use extra care during grooming, bathing, and drying.

06

Harness Safety

For walking, a properly fitted harness is generally preferable to putting pressure on the neck of a very small dog.

Your veterinarian can advise when your puppy is ready for outdoor walks based on age, vaccination status, development, and individual health.

07

House Training With Patience

Your puppy may already be familiar with puppy pads, but moving into a new home can temporarily affect even a good routine.

• Keep the pad easy to see and reach.
• Use a consistent potty area.
• Praise successful potty behavior immediately.
• Expect occasional accidents during the transition.

Positive reinforcement and consistency are much more effective than punishment.

08

Children & Tiny Puppies

Tiny puppies are delicate living animals, not toys. Young children should always be closely supervised around them.

• Children should sit down when holding the puppy.
• Never allow carrying by the neck, legs, or clothing.
• Avoid chasing, rough play, or overstimulation.
• Give the puppy uninterrupted rest throughout the day.

09

Larger Pets & Outdoor Safety

Always supervise interactions between a very small puppy and larger animals, even friendly household pets.

Outdoors, small puppies should remain under close supervision. Birds of prey and other wildlife can pose a risk to very small dogs.

Never leave a tiny puppy unattended outside.

10

Grooming Is Part of Wellness

Maltese, Yorkies, Pomeranians, and similar companion breeds benefit from regular coat care.

• Brush or comb frequently enough to prevent matting.
• Keep the eye area clean and dry.
• Keep nails appropriately trimmed.
• Check ears regularly.
• Use gentle, puppy-safe shampoos and grooming products.

Grooming should be calm, gentle, and supervised closely because tiny puppies can move suddenly.

11

Digestion, Stool & Food Changes

Sudden food changes are a common cause of stomach upset. When transitioning to a different diet, do so gradually unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.

Contact your veterinarian if your puppy develops persistent diarrhea, repeated vomiting, significant constipation, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or a noticeable decline in appetite or energy.

12

Teething & Retained Baby Teeth

Small breeds may retain baby teeth as their adult teeth come in. Your veterinarian should monitor dental development during routine examinations.

Provide puppy-safe chew toys and supervise chewing carefully. Never allow access to objects that can splinter, break apart, or be swallowed.

13

Puppy Development & Coat Changes

Puppies change dramatically during their first year. Coat texture, color, facial appearance, body proportions, ears, and overall maturity may look different from month to month.

Temporary awkward stages are a normal part of development and do not necessarily reflect your puppy’s final adult appearance.

14

Choosing Your Veterinarian

We recommend establishing a relationship with a licensed veterinarian who is comfortable treating very small toy breeds and understands their unique size, handling, nutritional needs, and medical considerations.

Good questions to ask include:

• How often do you treat very small toy-breed puppies?
• How do you calculate medication and anesthesia doses for very small patients?
• How do you approach suspected hypoglycemia?
• What vaccination schedule do you recommend for this puppy based on age, health, lifestyle, and travel needs?
• What emergency hospital do you recommend after hours?

Medical decisions should be individualized to your puppy in partnership with your veterinarian.

15

Spay, Neuter & Anesthesia

The appropriate timing for spaying or neutering varies by individual puppy. Discuss timing, anesthesia planning, pre-operative bloodwork, dental needs, and recovery with your veterinarian.

Very small patients should receive an individualized anesthetic plan based on their weight, age, health, and procedure.

Know When to Act

Signs That Need Prompt Veterinary Attention

A Lifetime of Love

You Are Your Puppy’s Whole World

With consistency, gentle handling, good nutrition, a safe environment, preventative veterinary care, and plenty of love, your tiny companion can grow into a confident and cherished member of your family.

Important Care Notice

This guide provides general educational information for new puppy owners and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Individual puppies may have different nutritional, medical, vaccination, exercise, and care requirements. Always follow the advice of the licensed veterinarian responsible for your puppy’s care.