TOY POODLE NEWS by Mr. Dibs

Toy Poodles and Cats

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:14:26 -0500

You’ve heard the old expression, “They fight like cats and dogs” - usually in reference to bouts of sibling rivalry among kids. Guest blogger Laurie Rollins explains how animals - yes, even cats and dogs - sometimes get along better than two-legged critters do.

Here’s Laurie’s cute story about her 14 year old toy poodle Bridget McGee and her beautiful Siamese cat SaLel:

As some may know, my little Bridget has been through hell over the past week or so as she battled what is believed to have been an acute case of pancreatitis. I'd be lying if I said that a number of times I did not think I was going to lose her. I mean, she's just five pounds, so when she gets by on about a teaspoon of food over the course of four days, one starts to wonder how she can keep going.

Somehow, perhaps due to the fluids she was getting pumped into her daily, sometimes twice a day, Bridget managed to maintain her five pound weight. Over her 14 years, Bridget has had many episodes with her tummy. This by far has been the worst attack. Perhaps because she is so much older now than she was the last time she had such serious tummy issues.

Anyhow, Bridget spends lots of time sleeping, so we have five little beds in different places around our home so she can cozy up in a safe place and be near us regardless of where we are in our home. This photo was taken in our upstairs bedroom. Our Siamese, SaLel, has always been such an ornery cuss, but he seems to have a knack for knowing when one of the dogs is ill and he has a tendency to want to be near them. It's the cutest thing.

So when he saw an available spot right alongside Bridget as she snoozed in her bed, he slid right on in. Years ago, Bridget would have told him off. Now, due to her age, blindness and loss in hearing, she's oblivious to her furry nurse...or maybe she's not and she really appreciates SaLel's warmth and comfort.

Bridget is hanging in there. She is finally eating relatively well but still taking lots of meds, and her bathroom habits continue to have me up at all hours of the night. I'm hoping we can move on from this episode and that we have a bit more quality time ahead of us.

Until next time,

Mr. Dibs

Guest Blog by Royce the Toy Poodle

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:29:54 -0400

Today we turn over the soapbox to a cousin toy poodle named Royce Block. (We’re all “cousins” in one way or another, right?)

Royce lives with Susan, a North Carolina writer. Given Susan’s talent for writing about local history, it comes as no surprise that Royce recently penned his own autobiography. Actually, we suspect he dictated the story but who’s to quibble?

Among the anecdotes Royce shares in his life story is a precious account of how he single-paw-edly melted the heart of a grown man, Susan’s late husband Freddie.

You can read Royce’s story here.

Until next time,

Mr. Dibs

French Poodles

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:43:19 -0400

If you’re wondering who puts the “French” in French Poodles, take a few minutes to enjoy the web site of breeder Anna Sophie Duncan McDonald who, with husband James, raises standard poodles in the region of Southern France known as the Languedoc. (Wine lovers will recognize the Languedoc as the largest wine-producing region in the world.)

Although we don’t specifically recommend breeders, we are happy to recommend the McDonalds’ site because there you can learn more about poodles in general and standard poodles in particular.

We think the Poodle Health page is particularly interesting. Some American breeders of show dogs might consider it a tad heretical but the McDonalds tell it like it is: Genetic compromises are sometimes made in the pursuit of breeding the “perfect” show dog. Read what the McDonalds have to say and judge for yourself.

Did you notice the long tails on the poodles in the photo above?

Yes, all dogs are born with normal, full-length tails! In the U.S. the breed standard calls for docked (surgically amputated) tails. We are told that this practice is considered inhumane in Europe and illegal in the United Kingdom.

That said, if you are seeking a poodle companion in the U.S., please find a breeder who pays a licensed veterinarian to perform this procedure under sanitary conditions. Not to be overly graphic but some U.S. breeders of toy poodles dock puppy tails themselves using big-dog nail clippers. Yikes! At least, vets perform this medical procedure in a safe way.

We hope you enjoy your virtual visit to the south of France where Real Standard Poodles are bred and obviously loved.

Until next time,

Mr. Dibs

Toy Poodle Lifestyles

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 10:53:42 -0500

Only a toy poodle person would understand our complete devotion to our pets even in a horrific economy. We do whatever it takes to keep our toy poodles in the lifestyle to which they are accustomed. That means nutritious food and routine vet visits. And maybe adding an occasional outfit to the little dog wardrobe.

To help you save money so you can continue to fund your toy poodle’s doggie social security and medicare programs, we have created a companion (pardon the pun) site for toy poodle people called Simple Food Kitchen Chemist ( www.simplefood.us ).

Each week, we publish articles showing you how to grow, preserve, and prepare simple food. Current articles show you how easy it is to grow nutritious veggie sprouts, make your own yogurt and kefir (a fermented milk drink), and wash salad greens properly. We even offer work-saving tips such as making rice in a crock pot.

Upcoming articles explain how to make wine at home and how to participate in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. We have much more planned for the weeks and months ahead. And we hope you will drop by to learn how to save money and eat more healthfully.

We think that by reducing your grocery bill (and your reliance on artificially processed food), you can enjoy better health and have more cash to lavish on your favorite toy poodle. To that we say, “Oui oui!”

Until next time,

Mr. Dibs

Doggie Christmas Surprise

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:07:22 -0500

It’s been a while since we laughed out loud. With the economy being what it is these days, viewing this video from Hungary is great therapy. We’re not sure who’s more talented - the dogs featured in this video or the trainer who worked with them.

Let’s just say that pet lovers of all descriptions will love this “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree” video treat. Click here to watch “Doggie Christmas Surprise.”

Until next time,

Mr. Dibs

What to Feed My Toy Poodle

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 11:26:09 -0500

If you are fortunate enough to have recently adopted or purchased a toy poodle, you might be wondering what’s best to feed your pet. Or you might be thinking that your older dog is getting a little hefty and maybe needs a change in diet.

The answer to the question of pet nutrition is simple, really, but can seem complicated by the many choices available in pet specialty stores and grocery stores.

WHAT TO FEED PUPPIES

First and foremost, if you just took home a puppy, feed the pup the same food the breeder used and recommends until the pup is full grown. Many experts agree that a toy breed dog is full grown at 10 months of age. During this time your puppy needs extra calories as well as extra protein and other nutrients for growth. I always recommended feeding toy poodle puppies three times per day. Once the pup is full grown, you can switch to twice-daily feeding.

OTHER LIFE STAGES

Always look for a food that is nutritionally complete and balanced. You will find those words on the label somewhere. Be sure to choose a food that is appropriate for your pet’s life stage. Puppies (and pregnant dams) need puppy food. Adult dogs need adult or maintenance food. Senior dogs should be feed senior food.

WHERE TO BUY PET FOOD

The canine nutrition experts at Purina, Hill’s, IAMS, and a host of other reputable companies have figured this out so it makes your choice of food fairly easy. Buy the best quality food you can afford from a place that’s convenient for you to shop. You wouldn’t want to run out of food and have to take a 20-minute drive at the last minute to buy more. Supporting local business is usually a good idea so visit the pet specialty stores in your town. Also peruse the pet food aisles in all the grocery stores in town to see what’s offered there.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised to find that Purina ONE (one of my personal favorites) is widely available. But everyone has their favorite. You might ask your veterinarian for recommendations, too.

KIBBLE SIZE

Bear in mind that toy dogs have tiny mouths and teeth so they generally need a “small bites” formula. All that means is that the kibble is smaller than those chunks they make for big dogs. My two larger (10 pound) toy poodles enjoy Purina ONE Small Bites Beef & Rice Formula but for Mr. Dibs, a teacup toy poodle, even that kibble is a lot of work to chew. I recently switched Dibs to Wellness Small Breed, a food that is available from my local pet store. Dibs loves it. And it doesn’t take him all day to crunch his breakfast!

HOW MUCH TO FEED

As for quantity, follow the label directions but use your own common sense to modify the amount. My dogs, for example, are indoor pets. Their main exercise is jumping from the floor to an easy chair or sleeping next to my computer desk (like right now as I write this). Their caloric needs are much less than a dog who is out and about, goes on long walks with you, or plays a lot. One of the best ways to assess your dog’s nutritional status is to judge his body condition. Purina has a neat chart showing you what the ideal body condition is for your dog.

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR DOG’S FOOD

Although I don’t recommend changing a toy poodle’s food without good reason (age, life stage, kibble size, or other reason such as a food allergy or vet’s recommendation), if you do decide to switch food, do so gradually. On the first day, mix the old food with the new food 90:10. In other words, the vast majority of the meal will be old food.

As the week ensues, progressively add more new food to the mix, simultaneously decreasing the amount of old food in the chow. By the end of a week or 10 days, your toy poodle will be on the new food and his or her digestive system will be acclimated to the new chow. If you rush this process, your pet will most likely endure digestive upsets. He or she will feel icky and you will end up with an icky mess to clean. Transition slowly and you can avoid problems.

Until next time,

Mr. Dibs