It would be nice to have a crystal ball when you head out to pick a puppy out of the litter. You can’t help but be full of all kinds of questions. Which one is the healthiest? Which one is going to have a good disposition? Will this puppy have a long life?
Unfortunately, the crystal ball doesn’t work so you will have to depend on your own knowledge when choosing a puppy from the litter. That can mean lots of research. Don’t forget to talk to other dog owners, breeders (it can’t hurt to talk to a breeder other than the one who is trying to sell you the puppy), groomers, trainers and veterinarians.
Eight weeks of age is a good time to get a puppy. Look for one that enjoys playing, attention and affection.
Keep in mind that socialization and your training skills can make a difference in the overall temperament, but respect the observations that you make to start. Chances are good that you will see those traits surface later.
There are a few things you should look for when selecting a puppy. Start at the puppy’s head and examine him or her closely. The nose should be cool and damp. Beware of a puppy with a nasal discharge. This is a good sign of a medical condition that will require treatment. Also, avoid puppies that have a cough. This is also a sign that there could be medical problems.
Look for puppies that have clear, bright eyes without discharge.
Check to see that the puppy’s gums are bright pink.
Examine the puppy’s teeth. Conditions such as an overbite may require expensive veterinarian treatment. The teeth should be straight, clean and unbroken.
Closely check the puppy’s ears. You want to see clean ears that are not red or irritated. If you smell a puppy’s ears, chances are good that he or she will need treatment for ear mites or infections. A waxy buildup or a lot of head shaking can indicate an ear problem.
Thoroughly check a puppy’s body. A puppy that has a swollen stomach probably has worms and will need treatment. Check to see if there is a bulge in the groin or navel areas because this can mean the puppy has a hernia. Also check the rectum area for signs of diarrhea or irritations.
Make sure both testicles are present if the puppy is a male.
Do you hear a strong heartbeat? It should have a regular rhythm.
The puppy’s coat is a good indicator of health. It should be fluffy, shiny and free of knots and mats. Beware of itching and sores because they could indicate fleas, mites, mange, allergies or a compromised immune system.
If the opportunity arises, check the puppy’s stools. Diarrhea can be the symptom of many ailments, including worms.
Check the puppy’s body structure. Are the legs straight? Is there good muscle tone?
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will choose a healthy puppy, but these tips should at least help. Buy only from responsible breeders and avoid puppy mills at all costs.
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