Getting a New Puppy? What to look for to avoid a puppy purchasing Disaster

Getting a new puppy can be a joyous occasion but a big responsibility as well.  There are certain precautions that should be taken to prevent puppies from becoming ill. Vaccinating and deworming your new puppy is very important in preventing diseases and sickness.  Below are some common questions about what steps and age your puppy can be treated.  

Things to look for when buying a puppy:

1. Breed- Make sure the breed of the dog fits your lifestyle.  Size, energy level and temperament are very important things to research before purchasing a dog.  For example, do NOT buy an English bulldog if you want a running partner.  Bulldogs and other brachycephlic dogs are prone to breathing problems and heat exhaustion.  Research the diseases commonly found specific breeds.
2. Weanlings- When picking a puppy from a litter of dogs, always choose the largest, most active and best nursing puppy.  Small weak puppies are not just cute but often indicate congenital problems or sickness.
3. Parents- Ask if the puppy’s parents have a history of medical problems, these can be genetic ie: hip dysplagia, congenital heart disease or even history of GDV.  The condition of the parents is often a good indicator to the quality of their puppies ie:  well groomed and good body weight.
4. Breeder- Look closely at who is selling the pet.  Puppies that come from “puppy mills” often carry infectious/ contagious diseases such as parvo virus, kennel cough and other sicknesses.
5. Be informed- Know the most common illnesses found in puppies, specific breeds and what signs to look for.

Always take the puppy directly to a veterinarian for an exam.

The vet is looking for:

1. Heart murmurs
2. Orthopedic disease- Watch them walk to look for hip dysplagia, luxating knee caps ( Medial luxating patellas)
3. Overall health- weight, eye sight, hearing etc.
4. Signs of Parasites – a round distend belly or poor hair coat can be a clue of internal parasites or external parasites.