I don’t know about you, but I used to LOVE the old GEICO insurance commercials – especially the cave man saga.
Do you remember those?
Insurance is all about protecting some pretty important things in our life: our homes, our cars, our health, even our lives. Some people go to extreme lengths to protect that which is precious… Apparently, Bruce Springsteen (The Boss himself) has even insured his voice – for $6 million!
So, if you are reading this article right now, I think it is pretty safe to assume that you have a precious pup (or several!) in your life.
Did you know that you can insure your dear ol’ doge?
Wow. Such Doge. So Meme. Photograph: Know Your Meme
So, as we like to do here at Poodled.com, I wanted to provide a guide to the best pet insurance options out there.
But before we do that, I want to introduce my new favorite insurance spokesperson since GEICO’s cavemen: Progressive Insurance’s Dr. Rick, Parenta-Life Coach!
Here are the top 7 pet insurance plans I have found:
From Petplan’s own website: “As animal lovers ourselves, we strive to give our pets long, happy lives. As a pet insurance provider, we strive to deliver the most comprehensive coverage available, giving families peace of mind. Simply put, we aim to be the kind of company that will make our pets proud.”
Petplan provides comprehensive pet insurance for a single monthly payment that covers up to 90% of your costs.
Some areas that Petplan Pet Insurance covers, that other companies often don’t include the chronic and hereditary health issues that plague certain breeds of cats and dogs.
This is doubly true of purebreds (like some of our beloved poodles!), where health issues are almost guaranteed.
You can also protect your pupper’s chompers, with insurance policies costing as little as $1 per day.
Embrace Pet Insurance likes to keep things simple, so they offer a single insurance plan for your furry friend.
They cover 90% of your vet bills, which can literally save you tens of thousands of dollars, but their policy will also come in handy to help pay for routine care, such as examinations.
A big deal here is that Embrace will consider pets with pre-existing health issues, something the vast majority of pet insurance providers will simply refuse.
As a bonus – $2 of each policy payment is donated to a pet charity, so you can sleep even sounder at night thinking of the cuddly creatures out there you are helping.
According to their website: “PetFirst helps take the worry out of covering the cost of unexpected visits to the vet with your furry family members.”
Dog insurance begins at only $15/month, and PetFirst policyholders save hundreds each year, even thousands, on a range of different accidents and illnesses, including everything from vestibular syndrome to cancer and heart disease.
PetFirst’s journey began back when Brent Hinton, co-founder of PetFirst, had to put his beloved dog to sleep in 2003. He decided to find a way to make money less of an issue for pet owners.
Eusoh could be considered somewhat of a disruptor in the pet insurance space. Theirs is a crowd-sourced insurance program, where the aim is to empower their members to share costs between themselves.
As for the unique name, according to their website: “Eusoh’s name is derived from the biological term ‘eusociality’, the highest level of social organization in nature. A key feature of eusocial species is their cooperation in caring for each other – just like Eusoh!”
Here is how Eusoh works, in a nutshell: the community pays into a “pool”, and that pool then pays for veterinarian bills. Their system is fully transparent and algorithmically balanced to ensure no member pays an unfair amount.
How much does this cost?
On average, members pay $32 per month, and never more than $65 per month, regardless of how much coverage pet owners need.
They aren’t leaving anything up to the imagination with that name, huh?
Pet Insurer provides you animal lovers with multiple options for your pet, according to some high level details you provide them up front (where you live, details about your dog or other pets). Simply plug this information into their website – et voilá! – their algorithm will show you the most competitive insurance providers for your pupper.
It’s pretty much Expedia, but for pet insurance!
Over 1 million people have used their algorithm in the past 10 years – so there’s gotta be something there; why not give it a shot?
These guys have been around the block a few times. As you can read on their website: “Since 2000, Trupanion has been innovating in the pet insurance industry. Our staff is comprised of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and doting pet owners. We care passionately about pets and make sure our policy has what it takes to serve them and you.”
Similar to a couple other providers we have highlighted in this article, Trupanion offers one simple plan that covers 90% of actual veterinary costs for eligible claims once you meet the deductible.
Additionally, your pet receives unlimited lifetime insurance coverage without caps, and pets with hereditary and congenital health issues are also covered by their policy.
Speaking of having been around the block, the founder of Pets Best Pet Insurance started the first ever pet insurance company back in 1981, after veterinarian Dr. Jack Stephens was asked to euthanize a family dog because the owners couldn’t afford treatment.
Pets Best is the net result of that decision, the same business he’s been part of since 2005.
Pets Best fills the gaps in other insurance policies, like routine care, a 24/7 helpline, and being able to pay your veterinarian directly.
But even better is that they don’t place an upper age limit on their accident and illness plans. So your frosty-faced friend can get the care they deserve in their later years.
Well, there you have it – Poodled.com’s top 7 picks for pet insurance options in 2020. What do you think? Have you used any of these providers?
Is there anything cuter than a Poodle puppy? Probably not. But while they are a bundle of absolute gorgeousness, they can also be a complete handful very much like having a toddler. So to help you on your journey of Poodle parenting, here are our best tips for raising Poodle puppies.
Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles
Before we even begin to touch on the different aspects of raising Poodle puppies, it’s crucial to know the different types. Poodles are identified in three categories, Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Toy Poodles. The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three with the Toy Poodle being the smallest.
Miniature Poodles typically stand at around 15 inches and generally weight between 12 and 20 pounds. Whereas Toy Poodles stand up to 10 inches and weigh 6 to 9 pounds. The most important thing to know is that both Toy and Miniature Poodles mature twice as fast as a Standard Poodle. Because of this Toy and Miniature Poodles are considered puppies for one year, but a Standard Poodle will be classed as a puppy for up to 2 years.
Puppy Supplies
Preparing for the day that a puppy comes home with you is very similar to getting everything ready for a baby. You need a supply of puppy essentials at the ready so that your new furry friend can get settled. Here are some of the essential items for Poodle puppies.
Just like us dogs need beds too. They spend a lot of their time running around and playing, so it’s vital that they have a comfortable place to sleep or rest. A dog bed will also provide your pet with an area where they feel safe.
Walking and Travel Accessories
Once your puppy is up to date with its injections, you will then start to take them for walks. When you do, a strong and durable lead and harness will make all the difference when it comes to training. Dogs that travel in the car will also require a special doggy seat belt to keep them secure.
Toys
Getting your pooch active starts with toys. Not only will you and your Poodle have a load of fun playing with doggy toys, but they will also keep your puppy occupied when they are on their own.
Food and Bowls
The type of food that you feed your pet will depend on the breed of Poodle that you are getting. The breeder and a veterinary professional will be able to advise you on the best food for your Poodle puppy. Choosing dog bowls may seem like a basic and obvious task. However, plastic dog bowls can actually stain your Poodles coat. This is because there are a lot of dyes in the plastic and over time it can transfer to your Poodle’s fu. The better choice would be ceramic or stainless steel bowls.
Grooming Gear
A Poodle’sr coat requires a lot of maintenance and its because of this that grooming supplies are needed. Many Poodle owners choose to have them groomed at a professional groomer on a regular basis but its always handy to keep shampoo, conditioner, and a pair of dog clippers at home as well.
Training a Poodle
All breeds of Poodles are extremely intelligent, which makes them relatively easy to teach. They love to please their owners and exercise their brain. It is advisable for Poodle parents to start to train their dog from a young age as they are usually, fast learners.
Caring for a Poodle Puppy
Unless they have a specific medical condition, Poodle’s don’t really require any special care. Of course, they need a whole lot of love, but that bit comes naturally. As mentioned above, they do need to have their coat looked after thoroughly, but as long as it is maintained regularly, it shouldn’t involve that much work. Poodles are dogs that suit many different lifestyles. They love to exercise, but they also adapt quickly to lifestyles that can’t always cater to it as much.
Poodle Puppy Best Buys
Since there are countless products on the market for puppies, we have narrowed down a few of our favorites for Poodles. Below is our Poodle Puppy best buys for 2019.
The perfect way to get your puppy settled into its new home is the Smart Pet Love New Puppy Starter Kit. It comes with a snuggle blanket, a puppy teething popsicle, and a heated plush toy. Additional features include,
Plush toy has a real-feel pulsing heartbeat for added comfort
Kit contains three heat packs
The teething popsicle has massaging ridges, and the core can be frozen
The raised edges on the Frisco Ortho Textured Plush Bolster Sofa gives your pup that added a sense of security. It has a built-in dip at the entrance making it easy for your pooch to get in and out of.
The high-quality soft materials ensure that your pet gets a great nights sleep. More specifications are,
Earlier on in the article, we mentioned how plastic food and water bowls could stain a Poodle’s luscious coat over time because of the excessive use of dyes.
The YML Wrought Iron Stand With Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is a perfect way to avoid that. Stainless steel bowls do not contain any coloring, and the wrought iron stand keeps the bowl elevated. Not only does this give your pup a better eating and drinking experience, but it also prevents food from getting stuck in your Poodle’s coat. Additional features include,
Stainless steel makes for a much more sanitary eating surface
These adorable and loveable dogs are a great addition to any household. They are fantastic around children and generally have a great temperament. Raising a Poodle puppy pretty much comes naturally. Aside from food and water, they only really care about one thing, and that’s your love.
When we choose a bed for ourselves, there are many things on our list. The most important being that it’s comfortable. We also tend to choose one that matches the rest of the furniture in our room and of course, one that will fit in the room nicely. Having personalized poodle beds for your pooch will make it both very cozy and comfortable, and happy to have their place to lay down.
Like us, Poodles also like to have a nice comfortable bed to sleep in once the day is done. It helps them rest their joints and feel safe during the night. When it comes to our favorite furry friends, we may as well get them the best of everything, and that starts with a personalized Poodle bed.
Comfort
This is hands down one of the most important things to consider when buying a dog bed. A dog can have a busy life too, and when it comes time to relax, they should have somewhere super comfortable to sleep. Dogs age much quicker than we do and so a comfortable bed will help to support their bones and joints. For optimum comfort, a bed that contains memory foam is a great choice. Our dogs can get arthritis just like us and so by getting them a quality bed. We are putting them at ease as best we can.
Security
Many owners compare having a dog to having a child. While they don’t require quite as much work, they definitely have some similarities. One of those similarities is how they treat their beds. When its time to go to bed, your dog might not want to go. Yet, when its time to leave the house, they may decide they want to lie in bed. So you can probably guess what happens when a dog gets scared or feels vulnerable, that’s right, they generally head straight for their beds. Most dogs prefer to snuggle into their beds, which is where they do differ from humans. We usually like to have loads of room in our beds whereas a dog doesn’t like having too much space. Having said that, they usually don’t like having too small of a space either. Lying down in bed much bigger than they are can sometimes make them feel exposed. But, when the bed is just right, they feel safe, protected, and cozy.
Reduce Anxiousness
Most people think of a dog bed as simply a place for their dog to sleep. But that isn’t the only thing a dog uses its bed for. Just like us humans, dogs can also get bouts of anxiousness. Poodles are particularly known for being a bit anxious and wary. Usually, these emotions fade over time, but they can still come back when circumstances change, or new people are around. When they do get these types of feelings, and they are at home, they usually get into their beds and lie down for a while. Dog beds with raised edges help dogs to feel secure and protected. Having a few cuddly toys in their beds enable their pack instincts to remain. Going back to what we were saying about dog beds providing a sense of security, these elements also help to reduce feelings of anxiousness.
Not only can a low-quality dog bed cause discomfort to your pet, but it can actually result in injury or strain. Sleep is one of the most important things in all of our lives, and we all rely on it to keep functioning. It helps us to recharge our batteries and heal our wounds so it definitely shouldn’t be taken for granted.
During the day, dogs typically spend a lot of time lying on the floor, which of course, isn’t the most comfortable. It’s important to remember that dog beds don’t last forever. It is never a one time purchase, or at least it shouldn’t be. The padding and foam in a dog bed will get worn down over time, and once it is, then you might want to consider buying a new one. Some beds are made from more durable materials than others.
How to Know which Size of Bed Your Poodle Needs?
Every dog sleeps differently. Some prefer to spread out. Others like to curl up. There is reasoning behind how a dog sleeps, and it could be down to their body temperature. If they are feeling slightly hot, then they will likely spread out on their back. Because this is a temporary reaction that causes a temporary sleeping position, a bed that can accommodate both stretching out and curling up would be ideal.
Going back to what we said earlier, having a bed that is far bigger than your pooch isn’t great and having one that just fits them when they are curled up isn’t practical. So, to choose the right size bed, you will first need the measurements of your dog. Standard Poodles usually stand around 15 inches tall so you will probably need a fairly large bed. Again, they will need to have enough room to spread out but not too much that they end up feeling exposed.
Things to Think about When Buying a Dog Bed
What may seem like a simple task at the start actually requires a lot of thought. A bed is very important to your Poodle, and so it needs to be just right. Here are some things to consider when buying a bed for your Poodle.
Purpose
Again, it seems like an obvious answer, but before buying a bed, you should think about what you need it for and where it is going to go. For example, if you travel a lot, you will want a bed that is easy to move, or perhaps one that fits inside of a carrier. If you already have a dog bed or basket but wanted additional padding, then you need to think about the size that you get.
Washing
This one is incredibly important. Before buying a dog bed, take some time to look into the fabrics that are used. Some are more stain-resistant than others, which will come in handy when its time to clean your dog’s bed.
We all know that dogs can be messy, and the personalized poodle beds will be the main place where they sleep. Whether they got wet during their walk or they dug a hole in the garden, inevitably their dog beds are going to get dirty fairly often. With that in mind, you must get a dog bed that is easy to clean. Otherwise, you will find yourself with a lot of extra work.
Scratch Proof
Whether they mean to or not, dogs can get their claws caught in fabrics. This could mean ripping their dog beds, which isn’t always repairable. To prevent this, try opting for a dog bed that has scratch-proof material to keep your pooch’s bed in one piece for longer.
Durable
Buying a dog bed isn’t always a one-time thing, and it shouldn’t be. But with that said, no one wants to be buying a new dog bed every month or so. Making sure that the materials used are of high-quality and are durable will make all the difference.
Support
The support of a dog bed and the comfort of it are slightly different things. Some dog beds can be classed as comfortable by the materials used on the outer surfaces. But, the support of a dog bed will largely come down to the padding. There are several types of foams and polyester out there, one of the best ones being memory foam. Dogs can have achy joints and muscles just like we can so its important that they have somewhere comfortable and supportive to rest.
The Best Personalized Poodle Beds
When buying a bed for your favorite animal, you may as well personalize it, especially for them. Most of the time, this option is free, so you may as well take advantage of it. Here are our top picks for personalized Poodle beds.
This dog bed doesn’t come with the personalized feature, although it is very easily done. The Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge Sofa is a very hard-wearing and supportive bed that Poodle parents are raving about. It has slightly raised sides and back that provide a cushion for your dog’s head.
The materials that are used ensure comfort and includes a human grade memory foam mattress. Inside the bed is a water-resistant liner that will protect water from getting to the foam and the poly-fill bolster. This Friends Forever dog bed is perfect for dogs that are prone to arthritis and joint pain. The outer cover is anti-tear, so if your Poodle is having a playful five minutes, you won’t have to worry about them ripping it. Additional features include,
Easy to personalize
Machine washable cover
Provides proper joint support due to the memory foam design
Available in four sizes, the Majestic Pet Personalized Bagel Style Dog Bed is the perfect choice for a comfortable yet stylish bed for your pet. Its bagel shape means that the outer edges are raised. This is making your Poodle feel safe and secure while having the option to elevate their head.
The base of the bed is completely waterproof, and the cover is made from faux suede material. Inside the bed, there is High Loft Polyester Fiber Fil that provides ultimate comfort. What better way is there for your pooch to rest than in a soft bed? Additionally, it is a comfortable dog bed with their own name proudly embroidered on the front.
For owners on a tighter budget but still, want a personalized touch for their best doggy friends then the Custom Catch Personalized Dog Bed Mat is the way to go. Ideal size for cages, baskets, carriers, or existing dog beds, this personalized dog mat offers is really comfortable.
The padding consists of 100% polyester, and the outer cover is a soft fleece material. Not only is this dog bed mat available with a free personalized name, but you also have a choice of six fonts. It’s practical, comfortable, stylish, and more importantly, affordable. Additional features are as follows,
Not quite a stand-alone dog bed but definitely worth being included in this list is the Dibsies Personalized Sofa Saver Pet Bed. This product does exactly what it says on the tin. It keeps your dog happy and comfortable while keeping your sofa clean and free from dog hair.
The Dibsies Sofa Saver is a very easy to use pet mat that you put on top of the sofa cushions for your Poodle to lie on. It has a bolster back and sides further keeping dog hair away from your sofa as well as providing a place for your dog to rest their head.
The mat is available in a range of colors and is personalized for free upon ordering. A perfect product for your dog to cuddle up next to you while keeping your sofa clean.
Bolstered sides and back for support
Personalized name printed at the bottom of the sofa saver
There is no better feeling than seeing your beloved Poodle happy and healthy, and a dog bed can provide both of those things. Our dogs need their beauty sleep as much as we do, so its only right that they get to have a comfortable and supportive place to sleep and feel safe.
Buying personalized poodle beds isn’t always an inexpensive thing, so when doing so, you may as well do it right. Treat your pooch to a bed that’s not only cozy, warm, and supportive but one that has their name printed on it.
At first, the thought of feeding a dog a vegan diet might seem quite outrageous. But when you understand their requirements and needs a little more, it doesn’t seem all that strange for poodles to go vegan. In this post we are looking at the type of nutrition a Poodle needs and whether or not it is sustainable for a Poodle to have a vegan diet.
Why Would You Feed a Poodle a Vegan Diet?
For owners that already lead a perfectly healthy and happy vegan lifestyle, it makes sense to have their dogs living life as a vegan as well. It makes it much simpler for the owner and they would already be clued up as to what they can and can’t have. On top of that, there are still concerns regarding the quality of meat that is used by some dog food brands. Admittedly, nowadays a majority of them use high-quality meats and fish that would also be considered fit for human consumption. But unfortunately, there are still some brands that use scraps of meat mixed with crushed bones and harmful chemicals. This is another reason that some owners prefer to keep their Poodle on a vegan diet.
Can Poodles Go Vegan Sustainably?
Despite what many people think, a Poodle can actually thrive on a vegan diet. Of course, there are still certain nutrients that are an essential part of a dog’s diet but as long as they are still included there should be no issues. Feeding your dog a vegan diet will require a decent amount of knowledge on the subject. It will also mean that you, as the provider, will need to ensure that the food in which your dog receives contains the necessary nutrients. But, if a little extra care at feeding time is ok with you, then all should be well.
If you would like to change a Poodle’s diet to a vegan one then it should be done gradually rather than instant. This is easily achievable by mixing the two types of foods together, while still maintaining the correct portion size. Every few days the amount of vegan dog food should be slightly increased and the amount of meaty food should be lowered. This should continue until the food has been completely replaced by vegan food. If the dog food is switched too quickly you may find that your pooch goes off its food altogether. Another side effect of a rapid food change is gastrointestinal upset which can be quite severe in some cases.
Making Sure that Your Poodle Receives the Right Nutrients
When you take meat and fish out of the equation, the biggest question is how will a dog get the necessary protein. It works in the exact same way as it does for humans. All the protein is plant-based. With that in mind, there are still some plant-based foods that a dog should never eat. Most vegan dog foods contain ingredients like,
Carrots
Broccoli
Lentils
Spinach and Kale
Beans – several types
Rice
Potatoes
And many other types of vegetables
Things to Know About a Vegan Poodle
While a dog can lead a healthy and happy life on a completely vegan diet, there are some important things to consider. One being flatulence. The masses of vegetables contained in vegan dog food can result in a slightly windy dog. Beans are particularly known for their effect. On top of that, having a vegan pooch will require monitoring any potential allergies that they have. A very uncommon but sometimes present allergy is to soy. This poses many difficulties when purchasing vegan dog food as many of them are relatively high in soy. On the plus side, Poodles do have a tendency to suffer from certain skin allergies which can actually be improved from a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Best Vegan Dog Food
To help you get started on your Poodle’s vegan diet we have composed a list of some of the markets best vegan dog food.
A very well known vegan dog food is the V-Dog Kinder Kibble Vegan Adult Dog Food. It includes a range of ingredients that help to provide your dog with all the necessary nutrients.
Rich in whole foods, this is a kibble that not only nourishes your dog but also pleases their taste buds. Additional features include,
This vegan dog food is recommended for any breed of an adult dog and is extremely popular within the vegan community. The Walk About Canine Vegan Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is packed with real vegetables and wholesome nutrition.
As it is grain-free, it offers a perfect vegan solution to dogs with grain sensitivities. More specifications are as follows,
100% grain-free
Contains sweet potatoes, lentils, and peas
Gluten-free recipe
Includes flaxseed for improved digestion
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote skin, coat, and joint health
Another fantastic vegan alternative is the Vegan Holistic Garden Of Vegan Adult Dry Dog Food. It’s a highly digestible food that your dog is bound to love. The Halo Holistic vegan dog food has the nutrients that are needed to stay healthy. More features are,
Made up of quality non-GMO vegetables
Includes nourishing oils
Free from meat, wheat, gluten, rice, corn, and artificial flavors and colorings
Has pea and chickpea proteins
Antioxidant-rich
Omega fatty acids are found in the flaxseed and sunflower oil. Both promoting healthy skin and coat
Maintaining a vegan lifestyle for your dog isn’t always straightforward. There will be a lot of monitoring and label checking involved, but for some, it is worth it that their poodles go vegan. Consulting with a veterinary professional prior to switching or introducing a Poodle’s food to a vegan alternative is always advised. They will be on hand to inform you of everything your dog will need in order to live a healthy and happy life.
Miniature poodles make great companions because they are loyal and obedient. And, because of their small stature, it is ideal for poodles to support the elderly. If you are looking for a dog that will provide companionship and be easy to train and handle, a miniature poodle is a great option.
Table of Contents
What Can a Miniature Poodle Provide to an Elderly Companion?
Training a Poodle to Provide Support
Tools for Training
Final Thoughts
Every breed of dog has the ability to bring love and companionship to their families, but not all breeds are right for all people. Some tend to be challenging to train or because of their size, they aren’t suitable for all environments. An older person might love the idea of having a standard sized poodle with their great personalities and fun-loving attitudes, but if they are living in a condo or apartment without a lot of space a big dog isn’t an option.
If space is limited or you are concerned about handling a larger poodle, the miniature poodle might be right for you. These dogs have the same outstanding personalities and lovable nature as their larger counterparts, but they require less space to be happy and healthy, and they are easily handled even by older adults.
Perhaps the best part? Miniature poodles can be trained to provide support to elderly owners.
What Can a Miniature Poodle Provide to an Elderly Companion?
In addition to love and loyalty, miniature poodles can provide more comprehensive support for elderly owners. They can offer a sense of well-being and allow older adults to have just the right amount of purpose in their lives.
Many seniors struggle to find purpose because their days of working outside of the home and raising families have passed. On the other hand, part of the joy of retiring and growing older is letting go of some of your responsibilities and just enjoying life. Mini poodles provide just the right amount of balance between responsibility and purposes without being the primary caretaker of an entire family.
Owning a dog means you’ll need to feed and care for something other than yourself. An elderly person is more likely to get out of the house, socialize, and stay active when they have a poodle companion that demands a certain amount of care and physical activity. If you or a loved one is struggling with finding purpose as time passes or tends to lack enough physical activity and time outdoors to be healthy, a miniature poodle can provide the boost needed to improve everyday life.
Little Lana loves playing with Grandma and Grandpa
Positive Effects
Some studies have even shown that adopting a miniature poodle or other breeds of dog can help reduce the effects of specific medical issues including:
High blood pressure
Stress
Deteriorating bone strength
High cholesterol levels
Reduce blood circulation
Training a Poodle to Provide Support
In addition to providing an elderly person with a purpose, miniature poodles can also be trained to provide specific support. For instance, properly trained miniature poodles can alert their owners to health issues such as an impending seizure or imbalances in blood sugar. They are also great for providing assistance when a senior owner has vision or hearing challenges. And they can be trained to help their human companions who need emotional support in certain trying situations.
Miniature poodles are great for providing support to elderly owners because they are not aggressive dogs. They tend to be confident and social and usually get along with other dogs. They are also known for being obedient and compliant when it comes to petting or grooming.
When properly trained, miniature poodles can be comfortable around medical equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and oxygen machines. They have a high tolerance for encountering strangers and are known for having good manners.
Of course, ensuring your adult miniature poodle meets these objectives requires training. Whether you are the owner of the poodle who will be your companion dog or you are training a dog that will visit with the elderly and provide support and companionship for assigned periods of time, it’s important to work with your dog as early as possible preparing him or her for the challenges that come with being a support animal.
Training sessions should occur frequently and continue even after your miniature poodle knows what is expected of him or her. The more interaction your dog has in a support role the more confident and comfortable he’ll be.
Tools for Training
There are many schools of thought on training a dog, but perhaps the most important thing you can remember when training a miniature poodle to provide support to the elderly is that you want your dog to enjoy his or her time in that role. This means you want to make training fun for your pup and work to build confidence. Positive reinforcement is the best way to do this.
During training sessions, reward your pup with training treats. This helps you communicate with your miniature poodle and let him or her know through reward that behavior is acceptable. Make training sessions fun for your dog and know what to watch for when your dog begins to lose patience. The last thing you want to do, especially early on, is to push your dog too hard and make training unpleasant. Just like humans, dogs have a threshold for learning and recognizing when that threshold has been reached makes it easier to instill lifelong lessons.
In addition to treats, there are other training tools that can help your dog develop appropriate behaviors for providing support. Through trial and error, you can learn what methods best suit your miniature poodle’s personality and learning style.
Finally, remember to be patients as you work with your pup. Miniature poodles are smart, but they aren’t perfect. As long as your dog continues to progress forward with training you are on the right track.
Miniature poodles make great companion animals and are the ideal breed for providing support for the elderly. Through proper training and practice, your poodle can become a special friend to you as you age or to elderly people in the community who are looking for companionship.
Poodle vaccination is an important part of keeping your dog healthy, but not all vaccines are right for all dogs. Much of what your poodle needs depends on where he or she lives and what he or she will be doing, especially when outside.
There are several things you need to know if you are adopting a poodle or you’re already a poodle owner and you aren’t sure how to proceed with vaccinations.
Table of Contents
Importance of Vaccinations
What Should You Know about Vaccinating a Poodle Puppy?
What Vaccines Does Your Poodle Need?
Safe Vaccine Protocol
Final Thoughts
Importance of Poodle Vaccination
Poodle vaccination is one of the most important health issues you deal with as a poodle owner. Vaccines protect your dog from serious illnesses, such as distemper ad parvovirus. Prior to having the ability to inoculate our dogs against these diseases many of them died because of their exposure.
In many cases, certain vaccinations are required by law. For instance, poodles and other dogs in the United States are required to be vaccinated against rabies and in most cases, owners must show proof to their local government of the vaccination in order to receive a license for owning their dog.
Other vaccines might not be required by law, but they are necessary if you wish to enroll your poodle in training classes, take them to the groomer, or allow them to participate in playgroups. It might also be necessary to show proof of certain vaccines when flying with your dog.
Some of the most common vaccines required by law or recommended before allowing your poodle to interact with other dogs include kennel cough, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease.
What Should You Know about Vaccinating a Poodle Puppy?
Newborn puppies are not immune to all diseases. They might carry some immunity from their mothers from the placenta and from nursing for certain issues, but not everything that can hurt your dog is part of this mix. If you are concerned about giving your puppy too many vaccinations, you can ask that his or her blood be tested with a titer that will show which vaccinations are necessary and which they already have natural protection for.
It’s also important to remember that even once your puppy is vaccinated there might still be some risk if your pup is exposed to certain diseases. This is why it’s recommended that younger pups avoid socializing too much with strange dogs that are not guaranteed to be immunized. Your veterinarian can help you determine when it is safe for your poodle puppy to enjoy all of the activities an adult vaccinated dog can participate in. In the meantime, keep your puppy on a leash at all times and utilize a crate if your dog needs to be alone with other dogs, even those in our own home.
There are several vaccines you should consider administering on your poodle puppy. Many of these need to be re-upped as your dog grows older.
Important vaccines include:
Canine Parvovirus or Parvo: Prior to 1977-78, Parvovirus has only been a health issue for dogs since the late 1970s. The virus is similar to feline Panleukopenia (feline distemper) and some believe it actually mutated from the cats.
Canine Distemper – Canine distemper is a common issue wherever there are dogs. It is the single biggest disease threat to dogs throughout the world.
Para-influenza Virus: This is a vaccine usually recommended for poodles that spend time with large groups, including adoption groups, boarding kennels, or veterinary clinics.
Bordetella: Dogs that spend time in high-risk environments, such as dose in dog parks, boarded kennels, or at dog, shows could benefit from this vaccine.
Rabies: This vaccine is for a serious infectious disease that puts all animals and humans at risk. The vaccine is required by law.
Kennel Cough Canine infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough), which is linked to Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAdV-2), is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in dogs. Most cases are not serious resolve on their own within a couple of weeks. However, some dogs are at risk for developing life-threatening complications, so you might want to consider vaccinating your dog against the disease.
In addition to those listed above, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating poodles for leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection, and Lyme disease, a potentially serious health problem. Much of whether these vaccines are necessary for your poodle pup depends on where you live and the activities in which your dog will participate. Your vet can provide more information about your dog’s lifestyle and his or her need for these vaccines.
Chili is a vaccinated little boy so he can play with friends outside – from @chiliandpeanut
Safe Vaccine Protocol
It’s entirely understandable why poodle parents might be concerned about vaccinating their dogs. There is a great deal of debate in the media about the safety of vaccines for humans and for animals at the moment, and there are cases in which dogs have experienced bad reactions to vaccines.
However, it’s also important to consider the potential ramifications of not vaccinating your pup. Many of the diseases listed above are far more serious than the reaction your dog might experience to the vaccine. The good news is there is a way to find balance. You can provide your poodle with the vaccinations he or she needs without putting their health at risk due to any vaccine reaction.
Allergic Reactions
If you are concerned about your dog reacting poorly to vaccines or about over-vaccinating, speak to your vet about your options. Many vets recommend titer testing dogs to see if the antibodies are already present in the dog’s blood. If this is the case he or she might not need vaccines. In some cases, vets recommend the initial round of important puppy vaccines and then promote titering for older dogs.
You might also consider an altered vaccine schedule. Some veterinarians have found that lengthening the puppy vaccine schedule so youngsters aren’t receiving rounds of vaccines too closely together helps to cut down on reactions.
Also, keep in mind that not all reactions are serious – though you should contact your vet if you notice a reaction. Some mild reactions might include soreness, sleepiness, or a bit of quivering that passes within a few hours to a day.
Final Thoughts
Poodle vaccination is one of the best things you can do to protect his or her health. It’s important to speak to your vet about any concerns and to ensure your dog is vaccinated against all serious diseases.
