1. Read and judge the labels on your poodles' food. If corn is one of the first 3-4 ingredients, choose another brand containing rice or barley. My dogs like chicken and rice combinations the best. I like the Nutro brand, but don't be fooled by big brand names, big prices or those automatically endorsed by your vet. Corn has a high glycemic index, which means it causes more of a sudden spike and subsequent drop in blood sugar than other grains such as rice or barley. This can be deadly to smaller sized and younger puppies, more specifically teacups and tiny toys, as their tiny internal organs are just not equipped to handle this, causing hypoglycemia. Also, corn is known to be allergenic in many dogs, manifesting in "hot spots," hives, itchy ears and paws, ultimately compromizing the entire immune system.

2. Keep your poodle's teeth clean. Smaller dogs can have more dental problems. No dog, big or small, should have bad breath. None of mine do because I brush their teeth on a regular basis from twice a week to every 6 months depending on the need. Your vet can clean their teeth but the dogs are put under general anesthesia for this. You could avert the danger anesthesia poses to your poodle, and the expense it poses to you, if you would just take the time to get your poodle used to having his mouth handled. At first, this can be done gently with a washcloth wrapped over your index finger and just rubbing his front gums at first. Gradually, he will allow you to go over his molars way in the back. Then choose one of the many doggie toothbrushes/pastes on the market. When he is an adult, have a bowl of dry dog food available to him throughout the day, not only 1-2 meals a day as this can cause bloat and twisted intestines. Dirty, mucousy, plaque-ridden teeth allow germs an easy entrance into the bloodstream, again compromising his immune system, besides assaulting your nose.  When you shop for a poodle puppy, ask to see both parents.  A good breeder will be happy to show them off.  Look in the mouths and ears of the sires and dams.  If they aren't clean, how healthy can they be, and what else does your breeder not prioritize?

Click here for AKC's view on dental health:  http://www.akcphp.com/BHIA/R/documents/Newsletters/2008/Q1/Article3.html

3. Deadly doggie treats. Some doggie treats and toys are not appropriate for poodles. My poodles love squeaky toys, but only those made of soft, stretchy latex, not vinyl. Since vinyl is harder, it can be chipped off and eaten and may not easily pass through the stomach, or dangerously lodge in the intestines, causing relentless vomiting and loss of electrolytes. The same goes for hard plastic bones. Stuffed animals, especially with squeakies inside, are my poodles' favorite. Rawhide is good, but in the smaller twisted stick sizes and not the chopped-up and preformed pieces. Those are too quickly eaten and can cause diarrhea. Also stay away from artificial colorants, which can permanently stain your floor and clothes. They like pig ears but be careful that they are clean. Cow hooves always smell rotten when they are being chewed. My favorite training treat is Liver-Flavored Harlee Bears, temporarily stinky, but the dogs drool over them!

4. Please don't keep your poodles outside! Over hundreds of years, poodles were bred first as a hunting dog, then as a lap dog. They naturally love fresh air, but they are pack animals by nature, and were also bred to love the company of humans, so allow them to love you, and enjoy the most intelligent canine company you can imagine!

I WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CARE AND HEALTH OF YOUR POODLE.