Coton de Tulear puppies, or Coton puppies for short, can be fun and amusing additions to your family. Like any other pet, these adorable pups will need specific care to keep them happy and healthy. Before you start looking for Coton puppies for sale, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to care for these small dogs.

Proper Grooming

Coton puppies look like delightful bundles of fluffy fur, but you'll need to pay extra attention to your new dog's grooming needs to keep his or her fur looking great. Regular grooming, including brushing and shampooing, can prevent matting ad tangles. These dogs tend to have longer fur than some other breeds, which means they can become matted quickly. If you do notice mats starting to form, schedule an appointment with your groomer. Brush your dog's fur regularly at home to keep it in great shape in between grooming appointments.

Proper Nutrition

Small breed dogs tend to have different nutritional needs when compared to larger breeds. When shopping for dog food, look for dry dog food with smaller pieces of kibble, and consider pate forms of wet food that let your dog nibble as much or as little as his small mouth can handle. Talk to your veterinarian about what types of nutrition your dog needs. Small dogs may need more calories and protein to help them maintain their active daily routines. Take extra care when choosing dog treats to ensure that they don't pose a choking hazard for your Coton pup.

Proper Exercise

Like other small dogs, Coton de Tulear dogs can be quite active, which means they need regular exercise. Walks around the neighborhood or daily games of fetch in the backyard can be great options for your dog. Puppies may have even more energy than adult dogs, but they may require different types of exercise. This is because their bodies aren't yet able to handle the same types of play that adult dogs are. Small dogs, like Cotons, should hold off on adult dog exercises until they are around 9 months old.

Consider getting a few small pet toys for your Coton puppy to use when playing indoors, and let him or her explore the backyard each day for a few minutes of play. Over time, your Coton will get used to longer periods of play, and he or she may even be willing to play with you or your children.

Consult your veterinarian before choosing a food or exercise routine for your Coton de Tulear, and prepare for a sweet and adorable addition to your household.