Tips to choosing a new puppy

vetspeak

Tips to choosing a New Puppy

Getting a puppy is an exciting time – but it is also an extremely important decision as a dog can live for about 15 years, so you want to take your time and get it right.

• Research some breeds to find out what breed or mix of breeds will best suit your family life

• Consider adopting a rescue dog and help alleviate the “wastage” that irresponsible breeding creates

• Don’t buy from puppy farms, even if you feel sorry for the puppy; more will be bred to replace it

• If buying from a breeder, don’t buy a puppy without meeting the bitch (and ideally the sire); this way you are able to check out their temperament and health

• Don’t support breeders who produce puppies with severely exaggerated features that may compromise welfare. If buying a breed that has exaggerated features, choose a breeder who is trying to breed away from extreme features

• Be wary if the parents have needed correctional surgery to enable them to breathe comfortably, correct eyelid issues, or walk normally

• Avoid buying puppies produced from mating closely related dogs. There is no way to verify this for a dog without a registered pedigree

• A responsible breeder will ensure all of the puppies and their parents are healthy and well looked after, they will have them all checked by a veterinarian, have a regular parasite control programme, and will have had any vaccinations done that are required

• Puppies must be weaned and fully self-sufficient and at least eight weeks old before they are released to their new owners

• Puppies should be socialised from three weeks of age to things they are going to encounter as they grow up; such as children, cats, vacuum cleaners, and washing machines

For more information, pop in and have a chat with one of us – we are always happy to talk about puppies!

Jemma Hedges | Millwater Vet Hospital