How to Take Care of a Teacup Yorkie Puppy

Purchase your puppy from an experienced breeder. Experienced breeders have years of experience with the breed and make sure their dogs are healthy and free of any genetic defects before breeding. Disreputable breeders might not perform health testing and might have little experience with Yorkies, which can produce unhealthy puppies.

Schedule a checkup with your veterinarian as soon as you bring home your teacup Yorkie. He will need routine puppy shots, and your vet will check for worms. Teacup Yorkies are prone to issues such as hypoglycemia, and your vet may run blood tests to check for other genetic anomalies.

Create a safe sleeping area for your Yorkie. Place a small dog crate in a quiet spot in your home, and add a soft dog bed to the kennel. The space should be large enough for the dog to rest comfortably, but not so large that he can walk and play. Put the puppy in his kennel at bedtime and when you are unable to closely watch him.

Fit your puppy with a collar or small harness. Teacup Yorkies love to play and explore, and they may wander away if not properly controlled. Keep the puppy on a leash when outside and during trips to the vet̵7;s office or pet store.

Play with your puppy often to burn off excess energy. Yorkies are a terrier breed and are rowdy if not well-stimulated, so take the dog for frequent walks and toss his favorite toy in short, five-minute play sessions.

Housebreak your puppy from day one. Teacup Yorkies are notoriously difficult to potty train, and putting it off only makes the process more difficult. Fence off a small area and keep a close eye on the dog to keep him from wandering off and going potty in the house. Take the puppy outside at least once every hour and after naps and meals, and watch him quietly until he goes potty. Praise him with a small treat, repeating the process every time until he is potty trained.

Feed your puppy three small meals a day. Teacup Yorkies are prone to hypoglycemia, and feeding small meals several times a day evens out the dog̵7;s blood sugar. Pick a high-quality food specifically designed for small breeds, and feed the dog according to the instructions regarding the individual food. Keep fresh water available at all times to prevent dehydration.

Groom your dog every day. The long, silky coat of teacup Yorkies is prone to tangling, and daily brushing will prevent mats. Loosen any knots with your fingers, and brush the coat with a pin brush. Wipe the dog̵7;s face with a damp cloth to remove food residue, and clean the area around the eyes with warm water to prevent tear stains. Clip the dog̵7;s nails with a small pair of nail clippers, snipping just a little from each nail to prevent cutting the quick.

Brush the dog̵7;s teeth at least once a week. Teacup Yorkies are notorious for bad teeth, and frequent brushing will lessen tooth decay. Take a close look at the teeth when the puppy starts teething, at approximately 5 to 6 months of age. Puppy teeth should fall out naturally as the adult teeth grow in, but Yorkies often retain their puppy teeth. If you notice any stubborn teeth, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Spay or neuter your dog. Intact Yorkies are more likely to develop prostate cancer and mammary tumors, and female Yorkies are prone to life-threatening infections including pyometra. Many Yorkies are sensitive to sedation, so request that alteration and any other medical procedures that require anesthesia be performed at the same time.