Teacup Yorkies and Hypoglycemia
Yorkie puppies are very small, so you should not be suprised if they eat only a tablespoon or so at a time. They should be fed 3 times a day to start, with a last feeding at 10pm. Nutro has developed nutrionally balanced food that doesn't need any added vitamins or minerals. Remember, your yorkie is just like a child, he or she has to be reminded to slow down and take a nap. It is very important not to overexert your Yorkie pup. They need a healthy balance of eating, quality food and exercise. Never let them go more than 4 hours without eating and 8 hours after 14 weeks of age.
The most important rule is to always have fresh food and water available. Make sure that you actually see them eating or hand feed them every 3-4 hours until 12-14 weeks of age. Sometimes they will not feel like eating. If that is the case just put a pea size drop of Nutri-cal ( a high calorie supplement) or creamy peanut butter on the roof of their mouth. Teacups must replenish their energy more frequently than larger puppies, because of their tiny digestive systems. Don't assume your dog has eaten, always pick them up and do a belly check. It should feel fuller.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Your puppy may exhibit one or more of these signs: acting listless or tired,walking unsteadily as if drunk, pale gums instead of pink,shakiness/falling over. In extreme cases lying on their side and being totally unresponsive. In these extreme cases if your puppy is not given nutrition quickly(karo syrup,honey, sugar water, Nutri-Cal or Nutri drops ) to raise its blood sugar, coma and death will result. You should see results in about 10 minutes. If not, repeat. If still no signs of improvement, RUSH to the nearest Vet office for glucose injection.
So You Want To Breed Your Female
Here are some things that can go wrong that you may not have thought about. Females in heat can become more aggressive with other dogs in the house. They can bleed all over the house and will mark all over the house. This is their instinct to mark the house with their scent. You now have turned your pottie trained little angel into a little devil.
You still want to Breed
So now you pay a stud service, your excited but she doesn't take. So you try it again in 6 to 9 months depending on her heat cycle. She doesn't take again. No stud owner will do this forever and you'll end up losing your money.
Say she does get Pregnant
She goes into labor a puppy gets stuck. Off to the Vet you go. With your luck, this will occur on a Sunday, middle of the night, or on a Holiday.
You will now pay twice as much for an emergency call. Maybe you'll get there on time and the Vet doesn't have 5 other emergencies before you.
She has a C-Section
Your puppies turn out fine or you lose 1, 2, or all the puppies and their mother. Most of the times mothers don't have much problems in surgery. It's usually after surgery that the problems occur, even death.
So Mom and the Puppies make it
Your puppies are old enough to sell(at least 10 weeks or longer depending on appetite and ability to handle the stress of a new home) and hopefully to a loving home.
So now they are Sold
You've paid you Vet bills and you even have some money left over. Then the frantic phone call from your customer comes, "I don't know what happened". They thought the puppy ate but it didn't, even though you told them about Hypoglycemia and what to do. Or the jumped off the couch and injured its leg. This is not the breeders fault but they want YOU to pay their Vet bills. I have personally been blessed with wonderful honest customers but I have heard of other breeders going through this nightmare. Accidents and problems can happen to anyone. There is so much to learn. There is both Joy and Heartache in being a breeder. Do you want to risk the possible heartache to you and your family. Don't take a chance with your little girl, It's not worth it.
Leave the breeding to experienced legitimate breeders.
Spay and Neutering
Spay or Neuter your dog as soon as you and your Vet feel it is safe.
This will increase the length of your dog's life by eliminating many types of cancer.
Are Males Good Pets?
I love males(neutered males). I prefer them, they are so loving. But you must neuter them by 6 months or sooner. The earlier the better. This will eliminate the urge to mark all over. Males are absolutely just as wonderful as females.
Potty Training
Yorkies, males and females, can be a little stubborn to house train. Be patient and consistent. Above all put puppies in a designated area of the house you feel comfortable with in case of accidents. Don't let puppies have the run of the house for long periods. They will make a mistake and you want to set them up for sucess and not failure.
