All pet owners want to make sure that their pets stay healthy, and toy poodle owners have some special needs to keep in mind. In order to stay warm and, therefore, healthy, toy poodles must stay warm by staying indoors, taking special care when they are wet, and even getting the right haircut. This article will explain why each of these factors is important to maintaining a toy poodle's health.

Stay Inside

During the cooler months of the year toy poodles should spend the majority of their time inside. The cool temperatures can have detrimental effects on their health. They are particularly susceptible to lower temperatures because of their size. By staying inside and avoiding the cold weather altogether, your toy poodle can lower the risk of illness or, in a worst case scenario, hypothermia. Warm temperatures help support the healthy functioning of major organs and joint health.

What Do You Do With A Wet Dog?

Another special circumstance that comes up is after you give your dog a bath. Actually, this includes any time when your toy poodle gets wet. Once again their small stature makes them vulnerable to the cold so you need to make sure you keep them in a warm place as they dry completely. They are already likely to suffer ill effects from low temperatures, and being wet just further compounds the issue. If you allow them to dry in a less than warm environment then they may become ill or suffer any number of problems from a drop in body temperature. Be aware that it can take some time for them to dry completely too.

Toy Poodle Haircuts

The proper haircut even plays a part in keeping your toy poodle warm in cooler months. The hair can be left longer in certain areas to help keep specific parts, such as joints, warm. They can then be trimmed shorter in others to allow for freedom of movement. Toy poodles are often cut so that they have enough hair to keep their vital organs warm. The legs are often free of hair except for the puffs that are meant to keep the joints warm. Styles of haircuts, using these principles, even help to maintain body temperature of toy poodles when they are immersed and swimming in water. It may not be advisable, but the classic cuts of toy poodles are made to be highly functional.

The health of your pet is the most important thing in the world, and your toy poodle needs a little extra attention during the cooler months. By making sure your toy poodle stays inside, has a warm place to dry off, and has the right haircut, you can help keep him healthy and happy. As an added bonus, he'll look nice too.