Yorkshire terrier puppies are to die for, and if you've just brought home a bundle of joy, you're in for a treat. This breed is renowned for its vivacity, intelligence, and affectionate nature, but as in the case of any dog, bringing up just one or more Yorkshire terrier puppies is no walk in the park.
The moment you bring home your lovable posse of Yorkshire terrier puppies, ensure that you first take them to an experienced, qualified veterinarian for a health checkup. This is because there have been many instances where new puppy owners have brought home sick puppies that are given by breeders who either didn't care enough for them or ignored their well-being, as well as that of their mother. Therefore, make certain that your Yorkshire terrier puppies are healthy before you set out to make them part of your family.
You must vaccinate your Yorkshire terrier puppies once every 21 days till they are about 4 months of age, after which they can be given shots on an annual basis. Consult your veterinarian about the frequency of these vaccinations and follow his/her instructions.
The transition from leaving their 'comfort zone' to moving into a new home is not easy on Yorkshire terrier puppies and could prove stressful for them. For this reason, you must make it a point to watch out for both obvious and not-so-obvious signs of anxiety or tension.
On the same note, do give them time to adjust to their surroundings, which may take a few weeks considering they have to get used to living without their mother. They are most likely to be confused and frightened during this phase, and it is your duty as their owner to look after them as you would with your own child. Also, don't take them out right away; do so only once they have adapted to their immediate environment and are taking to people slowly.
You must watch out for signs like lack of adequate rest, poor appetite, and lack of warmth (to the touch) in your Yorkshire terrier puppies, as these can be signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Such a condition can prove devastating and tends to surface around the time they are almost 3 months old, so remain watchful and give them immediate veterinary care if you notice anything untoward. Also alert your vet if any or all of your puppies seem dull or listless and weak during their waking hours.
You also need to watch your Yorkshire terrier puppies' stools. Stool composition and appearance is one of the most obvious parameters of a dog's health, so you need to ensure that your puppies pass firm, brown stools. Anything different should be a cause for concern and warrants a trip to the vet.
When it comes to food, try to avoid giving canned food to your Yorkshire terrier puppies. This breed isn't a big eater, so it's important to give your little ones wholesome, nutritious food.
Yorkie puppies are a lot of fun, but also a big responsibility. Have fun and enjoy!
