NEWBORN.  Puppies are born with eyes and ears closed.  They have a long tail and dew claws.  Dew claws are removed and one-third of the tail is docked.

2 WEEKS.  Eyes and ears open at this time.  This is a very important time for the pup to develop human bonding, when they can first see you.  Eyes appear blue when they first open.

4 WEEKS.  Puppies start eating solid food between 3 and 4 weeks of age.  They are started on oral Ivomec (controls internal and external parasites) at 3 weeks, given once a week for 5 weeks.  Starting to get coordination and eyes darken in color.  The pup's personality is continuing to develop.

6 WEEKS.  Time to wean puppies from mother at 6 to 7 weeks of age, a very stressful time for puppies, they need extra bonding from humans.  They are given Albon mixed with liquid vitamins for a few days to help their appetite and control any possible bacteria or Coccidia.  Playing and interacting with litter-mates and humans continues.

8 WEEKS.  First shot is given, one-half dose of "The Puppy Shot" by Fort Dodge (DURAMUNE Max 5-CvK). And one drop in each nostril of Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchisepica Vaccine ( to prevent kennel cough). Puppies can be adopted out at this time, we choose to keep them until older.

10 WEEKS.  Puppies are weighed.  The weight is doubled with one-half pound added to determine approximate adult weight.

12 WEEKS.  Puppies weighed again and weight is doubled to determine approximate adult weight.  Second shot is given, one-half dose of "The Puppy Shot" by Fort Dodge (DURAMUNE Max 5-CvK). And one drop in each nostril of Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchisepica Vaccine ( to prevent kennel cough).

16 WEEKS.  Third and last shot is given, one-half dose of "The Puppy Shot" by Fort Dodge (DURAMUNE Max 5-CvK). And another drop in each nostril of Canine Parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchisepica Vaccine ( to prevent kennel cough).   Will need this shot again in one year form this date. Puppy is done with the kennel cough vaccine. Rabies shot can be given at any time.  Poodles go through several coat changes - puppy coat, adult coat at 8 months to 18 months, and coarser texture at age 2 to 3 years.

Poodle Health & Genetics
Most dog owners are aware of the generally accepted belief that "big dogs live shorter lives than small dogs." The poodle appears to be an exception to the rule. Almost amazingly, many owners have reported that their standard poodles have lived to 15, 18, even 20 years of age -- the same life span often reported by owners of miniature and toy poodles! Whether a result of genetic prowess or just good clean living, it's nice to know that there's a good chance your poodle will be around for a full and endearing life.

Like most other dogs, the poodle has been found to be genetically predisposed to several diseases. Good breeders take special care to screen their poodles in an attempt to limit and ultimately diminish those occurrences that crop up. Proper nutrition and regular check-ups can play a key role in keeping your poodle happy and healthy. Owners should be aware of these diseases and be able to identify symptoms in order to seek proper remedies, if necessary. Some of the diseases most common to poodles include.

Some dogs get arthritis. I found a wonderful sit that has information on how to identify and treat canine arthritits.Click here for info .

Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint in which the ball and socket do not properly fit together.

Epilepsy: Seizures lasting from 30 seconds to several minutes.

Gastric Tortion-Bloat: A life-threatening condition in which a twisting of the stomach causes air to be trapped and normal blood flow to be cut off from the spleen and liver. It requires immediate veterinary care!

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A gradual deterioration of the retina of the eye which ultimately leads to blindness.

prcd-PRA: An additional form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) found in miniatures and toys caused by a recessive gene called prcd (progressive rod-cone degeneration).

Legg-Calve-Perthe's Disease: A deterioration of the hip joint cartilage caused by a loss of blood supply to the cap of the femur bone.

Sebaceous Adenitis ("SA"): A skin disease involving a progressive loss of hair caused by the inflammation and ultimate destruction of the sebaceous glands. Most commonly afflicting young adult dogs, its cause is generally unknown.

Patellar Lunation: A dislocation of the kneecap from abnormal structure of the stifle joint, as well as muscles and tendons.

von Willebrand's Disease: An inherited blood disorder similar to hemophilia in humans.

Addison's Disease: Destruction of the adrenal gland and resulting loss of associated essential hormones.

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