First time Yorkie owner looking for some advice/reassurance (long post)
 

Hello everyone, my name is Claire and this is my first time posting to this community so I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong section. I'm just hoping for a bit of advice/reassurance with my Yorkie puppy. It's a long story, I'm sorry in advance.

Okay, basically I'm a first-time Yorkie owner and so far things have been very hard. I have adopted a beautiful male Yorkie named Charlie who is currently 13 weeks old. I put a lot of time and effort into making sure he came from a good home & a registered breeder. Since I've never owned a dog before I made sure to do the proper amount of research and thought before making the decision to adopt a puppy but things have been a lot harder than I thought they would be. :(

I adopted my lovely boy Charlie on the 13th of November and was just so happy and excited to start our life together but things went bad very quickly. After a few days, he began vomiting up his food which I thought at first was due to the change in diet (slow change with introducing his new foods) he then continued vomiting & had mucus in his stool and I immediately rushed him to the vet. He was so, so sick and I was absolutely devastated. He was admitted for three days with what they basically described some kind of gastro and since then it's all been downhill.

He was absolutely perfect before being admitted to the hospital and now it's like he's traumatized. He was toilet trained, crate trained, wonderful when handled and now he's completely reverted back to being totally untrained. When we go outside to the toilet he won't go but instead eats EVERYTHING on the ground before I get so scared he's going to choke on something I bring him back in. Before he would never go to the toilet inside but he won't hold it anymore. He cries and whines if I'm not with him 24/7 and my poor baby is terrified of anyone coming near his face/body and it is impossible to groom him. He was given medications that we couldn't give to him because he would get so scared it was like wrestling with a small child to get him to stay still. He's got a case of fleas & ear mites which we are treating and the worst part is he's caught kennel cough from being at the animal hospital. :(

I can't even explain my despair and sadness that this beautiful little boy I promised to take care of has been so sick. He's been to the vet so many times now and I just feel like I'm doing everything wrong. He has a local vet who now knows his history and is treating him for everything. He's vaccinated, wormed and microchipped and will be desexed when old enough (which I am now terrified of him having done) but god this cough has me so anxious and scared. I rushed him to the vet last night because he was wheezing and hacking and they said he's okay but I just don't know how to help my baby through this.

I am especially worried about something that has happened four times now which is he shakes horribly when he wakes up in the morning & hasn't eaten. I rushed him to the vet the first time it happened as I thought it was hypoglycemia but they said he was okay. It's terrifying to watch, his whole body trembles but as soon as he gets some food into him he stops. It's only in the morning after waking up from sleeping all night. This was the problem that made me think to post here because I'm just not sure what to do or what's wrong. The vets just say to keep feeding him regularly but these episodes are so scary, am I doing something wrong?

I am so sorry for such a long post, I'm just absolutely worn down and so anxious all the time and just want my baby to be well so we can enjoy our time together. I just want him to be okay. I've cried so, so much and feel so utterly hopeless because things just keep going wrong. I feel like a terrible dog mum and just want to do right by him. I love him so much and am just so heartbroken about all of this. If anyone has any advice and could share it with me I would be so grateful. Thank you again and sorry for the huge post. :(

Hi there and I’m so sorry you’re having such the ordeal with your new puppy.

It seems like you’re doing what a responsible dog owner should be doing with following through with the vet and seeing what’s wrong . As for trauma experienced at the vet I do hope someone else can offer support on how to reassure your Charlie .

I do hope you’re no reconsidering your ownership as hurdle can be crossed . Maybe reach back out to your breeder and let her/him know what’s been going on . They may be able to offer some support or share some experience on what they’ve done in such situations.

Welcome to YT, sorry it's under these circumstances. A suggestion for morning shakes you say that stops after he has eaten. I suggest just before you put him down for the night feed him some kibble or what ever food you are feeding him, so his stomach is not empty when he wakes up in the morning. How very sad that this little boy has started life off with all these issues. You are doing everything right, taking him to the vet right away and not waiting. You are a caring, loving fur mom. Your puppy is showing fear of ppl because of all the strangers he has encountered with all his vet visits and stay overs. He is just a baby, he hasn't been with you a long time but you are the only one he now knows and trusts. As soon as all his issues have been taken care of and he is a well boy, you will have to start from scratch potty training, socializing him with ppl, and regaining his trust and bonding with you. Hopefully others will offer up advise, suggestions to help you and your lil puppy. Hang in there, things will get better (((hugs)))

Sounds like Matese is right on.
Your little baby has been through a lot for a youngster. All those strangers poking and prodding all on top of not feeling well.

You are the pups center and security. He will want you around all the time and is totally dependent on you.

That being said, it sounds like you are doing all the tight things and being a very good Yorkie mama.

Sorry about the issues you are having. Honestly no pup is potty trained by 13 weeks I know it might seem like it but they aren’t so potty issues are normal for a pup. Putting everything in their mouth is very normal too. It might have scared him being there but it was the best thing for him. Kennel cough is rough and can last through two rounds of antibiotics and over a month in some cases. He is on an antibiotic right? Have you tried feeding him a snack before bed? Maybe leaving food with him in his crate at night. It’s normal for this breed to get very attached. I know it’s hard when you it’s your first pup.

One very big thing I forgot to mention in my post, this baby is only 13 weeks old, he has not had all his vaccines, he should not be out doors until all shots have been given which is usually 5 to 5 1/2 months old, many ppl wait 2 weeks after last vaccine before taking the puppy outdoors. PLEASE for the safety of this puppy do not take him out doors.
Also, you say he eats everything while outdoors, no,no,no, do not allow the puppy to put anything from out doors in his mouth let alone allow him to eat it, not even grass.
Fleas,He may have gotten the fleas from being out doors. PLEASE, do not take this puppy outdoors until he has had all his vaccines.

I didn’t do the math until later. He was 9 weeks when you got him? That explains why he is also extremely attached. Puppies should stay with their moms until 12 weeks. Separation anxiety is something I have seen in many puppies when they have been taken from their moms to early. Also he can’t have all of his shots now he is to young and if the breeder did shots before 8 weeks those don’t count. Going by the fact the puppy left Mom to early I’m thinking maybe it wasn’t a great breeder and he came sick. If your yard is fenced in and no wildlife and stray animals get in it then it is fine to take him out but if it’s a common area and lots of wildlife I would hold up until he has all of his shots. Ear mites are normally caused from being in a dirty environment so he probably came with those. I’m thinking your breeder was probably a bad breeder. I would look into getting pet insurance that covers genetic issues so if he developes any it’s covered because bad breeders don’t care about genetics and do testing and stuff.

Just to add, even if you have a fenced in yard, squirrels, mice, voles, moles, all disease carrying rodents, feral cats can also jump high fences then you have bird droppings that still get in fenced yards. Keep the puppy indoors until he has had all vaccines.

Thank you so much for the reply, I have spoken to the breeder & she's been really good. I am definitely not reconsidering. I adopted him fully knowing it would be hard at times, he's my responsibility now and I love him dearly. :)

Thank you so much for the response! Oh I could cry, everyone's being so kind. That's what I was thinking of starting to do, feeding him right before bedtime to hopefully hold him over until the morning. You're right about the training, it will take time but I know he and I can do it. I feel so much better already from reading the replies here. Thank you so much. :)

Thank you so much for the reply. Yep, you're completely right. The poor thing, he must be so confused. Thank you so much for being so kind. :)

Thank you so much for the reply. Of course, yes he's still too young to be potty trained especially after all the changes he's been through. I read kennel cough can take a long time to clear up, especially in puppies. Yep, he's been given a shot which has slow release antibiotics. He has trouble with meds so we thought the shot would be the best route for him. I've had him recently checked after his cough got a bit worse and they said he's getting better. Thank god. Thank you again for the reply, I'm definitely going to start leaving food in his crate to see if that helps. :)

Oh, thank you! Yes, I completely agree, he's going to stay indoors from now on. He's on track with his vaccines and just had one done recently. I think the fleas were from outside, you're right. :( I feel awful! I will definitely keep him away from dirt and grass until he's completely vaccinated and well. Thank you so much again.

Thank you so much for the reply. We had the option to take him at 8 weeks but I thought it was too soon and we opted for 10 weeks. You're right though I should have let him stay longer. The breeder is very loving & offered to take him back for a few weeks after he first got sick but I didn't want to confuse him more. Honestly, I think the fleas are from my yard as the breeder's house was very clean. She did genetic testing on all her pups and cares very deeply for them. Although this is all my first experience with dogs & breeders so I could be wrong. I'm definitely going to keep him indoors from now on. Thank you again for your reply. :)

Thank you so much for the reply. You're so kind, honestly, thank you. I just want to do right by him. I'm absolutely keeping him indoors now, I completely agree. This vet is actually the second place I've been to, the first place was too clinical and the second is a lot more caring. I'll just see how it goes. Yes, I am definitely going to keep an eye on the temperature in the house more now. I'm closing the windows & keeping more blankets around. Thank you so much again. :)

I'm not sure if I'm doing this right but I just wanted to give a quick update and say a massive thank you to everyone who has given me advice and been so kind to me. Honestly, I was so nervous posting as I've never done this before and didn't know what to expect but everyone has been so lovely, I appreciate it so much.

Charlie seems to have turned a corner in regards to the kennel cough. Last night I was up all hours helping him get through the worst of it & he's been so good today I'm just in tears with relief! He's finally playing again & has some energy. He's eating lots & we're still working on the shakes (I think maybe he could have been cold as well as hungry so I've changed the temperature of the room to keep him warmer). We're just pushing through and I'm just going to be so happy once he's back to normal. All I want is for him to be a happy, healthy boy. Thank you again to everyone, it means the world that everyone has been so kind. :)

Parvo is really the biggest concern. For the most part it’s unrealistic to not take a puppy out in your fenced in back yard and for the most part they will be ok. All the dogs we had growing up we did it and I have done it with my pups and never any issues. I wouldn’t leave them out there alone or anything.

Parvo::When I had puppies I took my shoes off and set them on news paper outside in the hall before entering my home. Then washed my hands before touching my babies.Parvo can be on the soles of anyone shoes and bought into the home. I didn't allow anyone in my house to meet my new babies until they had all their vaccines, call me over cautious, but I do all I can to protect my precious babies until they were fully vaccinated. But that's just me, better safe then sorry. My puppies were pad trained during this waiting period, at 5 months old they were 100% pad trained with no accidents, had all their core vaccines then were trained to potty out doors, by 7 months old they were 100 % house broken with no accidents and had full access to the house. Like I said, better safe then sorry is who I am.

Just a suggestion about Charlie's morning shakes. Try some Honey Nut Cherrios at night. They will keep his sugar up and he should do better in the morning. I still use them when I go out as a treat for both my babies.

The shot is soooooo much easier then giving them oral medication. I choose that route to with mine even though most of them take meds fine. It’s just less to worry about.

I honestly get where you are coming from but most people can’t or won’t do that. The issues with that are they aren’t getting socialization when it’s the time they need it the most and need exposure to different things. Now I’m not saying walk them around a pet store or park or stuff like that but your own private yard is generally safe. After two sets of shots they are generally good and not likely to get anything.

8 puppies in total were all treated the same, shoes off, hands washed, pad trained, after all vaccines at 5 months old were THEN taught to go out door potty, they were leash walked, socialized with ppl and all animals, even goats, calves, cows and cats. They were the friendliest, sweatiest girls. 5 months old is not late to socialize. Ppl will do what they want, not what is best for their wee lil puppies, as i said, better safe then sorry.

:thumbup::thumbup:

I've never ever heard of leaving dogs 100% indoors until weeks after their vaccines are finished until joining this website.

Jackson had SO MUCH socialization at that point... I mean vaccines aren't finished until around 16 weeks? And then you're supposed to wait another two weeks after that? Jackson had experienced mud, rain, snow (I got him in winter) and grass at that point. I avoided pet stores and dog parks of course. And if you know that parvo is, like, rampant in your area then yes be smart and avoid. But my vet was fine with pups going outside after their 2nd set of vaccines (usually around 12 weeks old).

Not to mention potty training. I do outdoor only training and by 16 weeks, he had quite gotten the hang of pottying outside with few accidents. What if you have a larger breed? I don't think anyone wants to pick up Great Dane poops when they are 4/5 months old. That's just unrealistic.

In NY where I lived when I had my puppies, my vet told me they were not to go out on the street until they had all their vaccines, I listen to my vet. I never heard of waiting 2 weeks after all core shots were given before taking puppy out until I joined YT, and it makes sense to me. Parvo can be anywhere you walk. My babies were 8 weeks old when I got them, I wouldn't even take them to my families house nor would I have anyone come to my house until they had all their shots. I don't know about great danes, I have always been a small breed person, 8 puppies and vet always told me the same thing, keep indoors until all vaccines were given. My puppies were 5 months old when they had all core vaccines and that's when I started to house break them and leash walked them, that's when they were socialized, 5 months old is not to late to socialize dogs, my babies were the friendliest, sweetest girls ever, they loved all ppl and all animals.
I followed my vets orders, and that's what everyone with a new puppy should always do. Listen to your vet, better safe then sorry or don't listen to your vet because you wanna show off your tiny baby, then your baby may pay the price for not following a vets advise.

That's pretty much how it was with all our pups growing up. Although our first one we did let walk around the pet store not knowing any better but he was fine. I had Joey in puppy class after his second set of shots and I feel like that socialization was really important and that class exposed him to lots of stuff. I'm not really big on pad training either so I wanted to start outside training right away.

My vet has only recommended not taking them to dog parks and pet stores and for walks until all shots. Puppies go through a fear phase at 16 weeks so its really important to expose them to different things. I don't know how you could not potty train them until 5 months old that kinda seems like a nightmare. There are many vets and experts who say they are pretty safe after the first two sets of vaccines and many that say early socialization is very important. I think that yes there are places you don't take an unvaccinated puppy but I think there are also safe things for them as well. I have been lucky to have fenced in nice back yards at every place I have been and no stray dogs walking around in there spreading parvo so its really pretty safe.

Where in any of my posts did you read I did not start to potty train my puppies until they were 5 months old. My puppies were 8 weeks old when I bought them, I started pad training them, the day I bought them home. At 5 months old they were 100% pad trained with no accidents and had free roam of entire home. After all vaccines were gotten they were 5 months old, that is when I started to house break them. I must have written this at least 3 times.At 7 months old they were 100% house broken, No pads were ever left down after they were house broken. Never once did they make in the house, they were able to hold it until I came home from work. My yorkies were not tiny's, weights ranged from 9 pounds , 13 Lbs and my last beauty was 17 pounds. I don't know what vets in other states advise as to what vaccines are needed before it's ok a puppy can go out and about. I was under the impression all core vaccines are give by time a puppy is 5 to 6 months old. If you and Brister say your vet said all a puppy needs is 2 vaccines then it's ok to let the puppy go out and about, you both live in the same state so maybe it applies in your state. If I were ever to get another puppy I don't care if my Pa. vet said all my puppy needed was 2 vaccines and it could be let outside, I would still go by what my NY vet told me. Wait till all vaccines are given, and now since joining YT I would tack on waiting 2 weeks after last vaccine because that makes a lotta sense to me.

I guess I was taken the house breaking thing to mean potty training that was just an error of my misunderstanding the wording. It's not just our state their are actual studies on it and the third set of shot which is still recommended and I still recommend are mostly a just encase thing. You did say we should trust our vet but you said if another vet where to tell you what we are telling you that wouldn't believe them. Times change and they are making new discoverys in vet medicine all the time so its very important to keep an open mind when listening to vets. If this is what works for you that's great its just not going to work for everyone and that's ok. I just want the poster to know or even any one reading this that their puppy more then likely isn't going to die if they go out in their own fenced in back yard. There is more risk at the vets office then anywhere honestly.

Back in the days lol, housebreaking a dog was training it to potty out doors after it was paper trained and all shots were given.

I absolutely agree Veterinarian technology has escalated since I last had a puppy, I always follow what my vet tells me, however, I would still wait for all core vaccines to be given before I took a puppy out, it's not necessary to rush to get a baby out. They will have a lifetime of outdoors once they are fully protected, so keeping them indoors for a few weeks is no big deal, I wouldn't want anyone fawning over my puppy with just 2 vaccines. My vet gives 2 vaccines at one time, since joining YT it is advised to give one shot, wait 2 weeks then get the 2nd one, another piece of advise that made sense to me, so that is what I now do. Several years ago my senior girl had a bad reaction to getting 2 vaccines at the same time, vaccines that she had always gotten with no reactions, I never want any of my babies to ever go through that, so we take one vaccine at a time now.