HEALTH & BEAUTY
Thinking about getting a new dog? Introducing a new pet to the household is a big commitment, so follow these do’s and don’ts to make sure you get it right! Please do:
Please don’t:
1.
Research your breed! The average dog lives for around 13 years, so making sure that you choose a breed that will fit in with your lifestyle is essential before you start looking at puppies that you read up on the breeds you are interested in to make sure you know what to expect.
1.
Buy online without seeing the puppy or its mother! Whilst it may seem convenient to pick a puppy from a picture and order it for delivery once weaned, these puppies are usually very poorly bred (often abroad) and are most likely to have serious health concerns.
2.
Check out your local rescues. Rescue centres have dogs of all ages and breeds, including puppies occasionally. At any one time, there are over 110,000 dogs in rescue in the UK, with almost 8000 being euthanised each year. Good rescue centres, like good breeders, will want to make sure that any dog you are interested in is a good fit for you and your family and so you should expect them to carry out home checks and meet all household members prior to adoption.
2.
Buy from anywhere that are selling lots of different breeds of dogs. They are likely ‘puppy dealers’, who are selling for puppy farms or buying puppies from puppy farms to sell on. Puppy farm puppies may have a pedigree certificate but does not mean that they are well bred! These dogs are bred too often and purely for profit, with no regard for their health.
3.
Buy from a pet shop. Good breeders will NOT sell their puppies via a shop.
4.
Buy from anywhere that you cannot see the mother with the pups. This is usually a good indication that something is amiss!
5.
Buy a puppy because it is cheap. Usually there is a reason for this – buyer beware!
6.
Buy a puppy with a known health issue unless you know exactly what you are taking on and the costs involved. If you are considering doing this, get a history from the breeder’s vet and then discuss the implications with your own vet so that you can make an informed decision. Any health problems that have been noted prior to you buying the puppy are highly unlikely to be covered by insurance.
3.
If you decide to buy a puppy, find a reputable breeder. There are many breeders out there and many are not as trustworthy as they may lead you to believe. A good breeder should be as interested in you and your home life as you are in their puppy. You should ALWAYS be able to see the puppy with its mother, as this will give you some indication of what the puppy is likely to grow up like, both physically and in temperament. A good breeder will provide you with information about the breed, ensure that their puppies are healthy with at least their first vaccinations done before going home, and will be there to support you through puppyhood and the rest of your dog’s life.
Don’t forget to book in with one of our Nurses for a new pet check and advice on looking after your new arrival.
4.
Ensure that if you choose a breed with known health problems, that the breeder you go to makes use of the health testing schemes available e.g. testing for hip and eye problems. Certain hereditary health problems can cost thousands of pounds in vet bills and cannot necessarily be cured.
5.
Ask lots of questions! The RSPCA have compiled an excellent list of questions to ask which can be found on their website: http://www.rspca.org.uk/
6.
Take out pet insurance. Get estimates for the breed you are thinking about buying before you buy to make sure that you can afford the insurance. Whilst it may not seem necessary whilst your puppy is still young, taking out lifelong health insurance ensures that your dog will be covered in later years should the worst happen, and may also help you cover the costs of any cost issues that may arise in their early years (although always check the policy for exclusions, particularly in breeds that are predisposed to problems! advertise please call Voice Team on 01773
To
Article written by Scarsdale Vets Tel: 01773 304914 549 035
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