Jan 20, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Puppy

Adding a new hound to the family is an exciting time, but it's important to do your pet parent homework before you bring your new furry friend home. Today's hound blog will provide tips on what to consider when buying a new puppy, things to ask the breeder, and what medical checks and vaccinations are required before it comes home with you and at their first puppy vet visit.

Purchasing a Puppy Guidelines

Ensure the Puppy Breeder is Licensed

First and foremost, buying a puppy from a reputable breeder is important. Ethical breeders focus more on the puppy's welfare than the profit they earn from your check or credit card payment!

This means your hound will have had all the necessary health checks, pre-sale vaccinations and will be in tip-top shape from nose to tail when purchased. In addition, responsible breeders are usually very knowledgeable about their specific puppy breed and provide loads of helpful advice.

How to Check If the Breeder is Licensed

You can check if the breeder is licensed by researching their registration number or contacting them directly to confirm their legitimacy. Most importantly, never pay a deposit before viewing the puppy or seeing them via video chat at the very least.

Things to Ask the Breeder

When selecting a puppy, there are a few critical questions all responsible pet parents should ask:

Ask to view the puppy's parents if they are available.

This will help you gauge your puppy's potential size and temperament as an adult.

Ask to see the puppy before collection day.

This will allow you to assess the conditions in which the puppy has been bred. Unfortunately, puppy farms are a lucrative business exploiting the health and well-being of many adult female dogs forced to produce puppies continuously until their bodies collapse from the strain!

Ask for confirmation that the puppy is at least 8 weeks old or older.

Pups need to remain with their mums for at least 8 weeks to get the proper nutrition found in their mother's milk, be properly weaned, and learn appropriate hound-like behaviors from their parents and litter mates.

Ask if the puppy has had their first set of primary vaccinations.

Ideally, this should be done at the 8-week mark with 2-3 follow-up jabs done in two to four-week intervals. Most reputable breeders will ensure the first set of jabs are done at eight weeks, with pet parents taking over this responsibility when they take their forever-puppy home.

Check if the breeder has provided preventative healthcare measures.

Most breeders provide preventative flea and worm treatments.

First Puppy Vet Visit Preparation

Check out our below comprehensive puppy first vet visit checklist. It can help you ensure that all necessary steps are taken for a healthy lifestyle for your puppy companion!

Schedule Your First Puppy Vet Visit

Before bringing your puppy home, schedule a vet checkup for the first week after you purchase them.

Make A List of Essential Questions

At the puppy first vet visit, ask about necessary vaccines and deworming treatments the pup may need going forward. It's also important to ask about flea prevention, heartworm medicines, nail clipping, and the teeth cleaning services available so your new hound remains in optimal health.

Take Essential Supplies to Your First Puppy Vet Visit

Aside from a leash or pet carrier (puppy size dependent!), you should also take along any puppy records you have. In addition, a favorite toy or tasty treat will go a long way to reducing any excited hound behaviors at the vet!

Final Thoughts

Adding a puppy to the family is a hugely exciting step, but it's also one that requires commitment, patience, and a lot of research! So, pet parents, get your clipboards ready; it's time to start your search for your forever pup today!

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