Before buying a new puppy
Congratulations! You have made the decision to giving a loving home to a new puppy!
Dogs can bring joy to your house and enrich your life so much, that they quickly become a part of your family.
We at Cara Vets want to ensure that you and your puppy enjoy a happy and healthy life together. There are so many things to consider before buying a new puppy and it is really important that you do a little bit of research before buying your pup. By making the right choices at this time, it will save you money and possibly heartbreak later down the line. Therefore, we provide a FREE Pre-Purchase Puppy Talk, free of charge, to help you through the process. Online Booking: Book your FREE Pre-Purchase Puppy Talk now!
In the meantime, we have put together a few tips for you to follow when going out to purchase your new pup.
- Pick your breed carefully. Make sure that the dog will fit in to your lifestyle and your living circumstances, bearing in mind the following:
- A Husky puppy will soon grow in to a large, energetic dog that needs plenty of walks and exercise. They can become bored easily if not stimulated. Bored dogs can become destructive.
- A Labrador will not suit you if you live in an apartment. If you are not sure what breed is suitable for you, then contact us today, and we can advise you of some of the breeds that may suit you and your way of life.
- Talk to your vet about what breeders they have on their books. Your vet will be able to put you touch with the right people.
- Choose your breeder very carefully. Remember, a good breeder has the genuine interest of the breed at heart. A pedigree certificate does NOT ensure you will get a healthy pup.
- Stay away from market place websites. These sites are often used by puppy farmers to sell pups fast and for a quick profit. There is no regard for the health of these puppies or for their mothers. Interbreeding is also common at puppy farms which can lead to inherited health problems. We see a lot of these puppies here at Cara Vets. Often, they are in poor health, underweight, small for their breed, have fleas and/or lice, have been taken away from their mother at too young an age and therefore lack social skills.
- Once you have carefully chosen your breed, and your breeder, then it’s time to go and visit your pup. The first thing you should do is leave your wallet at home. This will avoid you purchasing a pup for the wrong reasons such as feeling sorry for it or being pressured to purchase by children when your gut feeling is saying something doesn’t feel right.
- Visit the breeder’s premises. This way you get to see the pup’s mother, and see the environment in which the pups have been born and raised. Do not meet breeders in a random place i.e. a motorway service station or in a pub car park. Premises should be clean and bright. Pups should be seen with their mother as well, not just brought out to you.
- Pups should be bright, alert, perky, and friendly. Cowering or hiding is not a good sign, and these pups should be avoided. Puppies should appear to be in good health. They should not have runny eyes or noses, ears should be clear, coat should be in a good condition, and should not look underweight i.e visible ribs present.
- Your puppy should not be taken from its mother before 8 weeks of age.
- Take your time about choosing the puppy you want, and don’t let yourself be rushed in to making your decision. Our advice would be to visit your pup at least twice.
- Then, once you have considered the points raised above, then choose your dog.
When you have chosen your pup, remember:
- All information regarding your new puppy needs to be documented and given to you. Just remember that a Pedigree Certificate does not ensure you are getting a healthy puppy.
- Vaccinations must be administered by a Vet and recorded in a vaccination record, WITH THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE VET on the back of the card.
- A breeder handing you two glass vaccine bottles and saying that the pup has been vaccinated is NOT sufficient. Neither is a vaccination card that does not bear the marks of a vet. i.e. a vet’s stamp. Otherwise, once you present your new pup to the vet, they will not be satisfied until they see a veterinary record. If one is not available, then the pup will need a vaccination course of two injections.
- Your new pup should be presented to your Vet as soon as possible.
- Don't forget to bring your new furry friend up to us for a cuddle!
Online Booking
- Book your FREE Pre-Purchase Puppy Talk now!
- For more advice or to learn more about our free services, special offers and discount loyalty plans... visit our pet care tips for Dogs and Puppies section.