If you find a breeder who is selling puppies younger than 8 weeks old, ask the breeder why, since it is too young.
Ears. Dirty puppy ears may cause ear infections or indicate ear mites. Avoid puppies with ear redness or foul odors. Nose. There should be no discharge from the nose, and the puppy should not sneeze profusely or cough. Don’t think discharge is just saliva because the nose may be wet from licking. Eyes. There should be no discharge around the puppy’s eyes. They should be bright and alert. [4] X Research source
When you play with the puppy, part its fur and look at the skin. It should also be clean and smooth. Make sure there are no fleas and that the puppy doesn’t scratch itself. [5] X Research source
This can be a sign of an untreated worm infestation or serious health issues, such as a heart problem. [6] X Research source www. merckvetmanual. com/pethealth/dog_disorders_and_diseases/heart_and_blood_vessel_disorders_of_dogs/congenital_and_inherited_disorders_of_the_cardiovascular_system_in_dogs. html
Also watch to see if the puppy licks its genital region a lot. This may be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
It may take a little time for the puppy to warm up to you and your family, but it eventually will. Sit with it and make time to play with it when you visit. Healthy puppies are curious and want to play if they are awake.
If the breeder or seller won’t or can’t give you past vet records, seriously rethink getting that puppy. This is a warning sign that something could be wrong.
This can be very expensive for you if you don’t notice these health issues before adopting the puppy. For example, the first year of a healthy puppy’s life can cost between $700 and $2,000 in veterinary costs. If your puppy is sick, this amount may double or triple. [8] X Research source www. kiplinger. com/slideshow/spending/T063-S001-9-costs-every-dog-owner-should-budget-for/index. html
The puppies in these places undergo a full exam and are given their vaccinations by a veterinarian. [9] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source These organizations will also not knowingly offer you a sick puppy, but it is always good to be on the lookout for sickly behavior.
It is important to assess the kind of environment the breeder has. You will also want to play with the puppy and determine its general temperament and the parents’ temperaments. This will help you determine if the puppy is a good fit for you and your family. The Humane Society of the United States has a checklist available online that you can use to assess the breeder. This checklist tells you what to look for, such as the number of dog types the breeder breeds and the state of the conditions where the dogs are kept. The breeder should also have a strong relationship with local veterinarians and instruct you how to take care of the puppy once you take it home. When you go to meet the breeder, take the checklist with you to make sure you are buying a puppy from a reputable source. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want. Responsible breeders understand since they want to connect with responsible owners as well. [11] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source You may still consider a shelter for a purebred animal. About 25% of animals in shelters are purebred animals. [12] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Not only that, the puppies and their parents are often housed in unsanitary and crowded conditions, are not given proper veterinary care, and the dogs being bred may have behavioral or health problems. [15] X Research source Reputable breeders do not sell to pet shops. [16] X Research source Avoid buying a puppy online, as there is absolutely no regulation as to where the puppy has come from, and you will be unable to check the puppy or its parents before you make your purchase.
Your vet will explain the necessary vaccinations, feedings requirements, and any other health problems facing your puppy, such as worms and parasites. Feel free to ask your vet any questions you have about owning the specific breed you have or about puppies in general. [17] X Research source
Try to at least start the puppy on the food it was accustomed to before. If you want to change its food, do so gradually by weaning it off the other food and feeding it more of the food you want it to have. Just make sure you are feeding it puppy food, not adult dog food. [18] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 20 December 2019. If the puppy has diarrhea but seems healthy otherwise, don’t worry. This is a common stress response. [19] X Research source However, if the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours or if the puppy seems unwell, take the puppy to a veterinarian.
Other issues can be combated with a healthy and balanced diet. This helps keep the puppy’s immune system up, which helps it fight any possible disease that could attack it at such a young age. If you notice any change in behavior, any general listlessness, or excessive diarrhea or vomiting, take your puppy to the vet immediately. The earlier you catch an illness, the better the puppy’s chances are. [20] X Research source
