How to tell if the puppy you're bringing home is healthy.
When you are looking for your next furry family member, there is a lot to consider. What breed best suits you and your lifestyle? What veterinarian is right for you? But most importantly: What are the normal signs of a healthy pet?
Eyes: Should be bright and clear. Report any discharge to your veterinarian.
Ears: Should be clean and free of discharge, odor and redness. Untreated ear problems are painful and can cause hearing loss.
Nose: Should be clean, without discharge or sores.
Mouth: Should smell fresh. Gums should be pink. Teeth should be free of tartar or plaque. Mouth and lips should be free of sores or growths.
Coat: Should be shiny and clean.
Weight: Active, playful puppies are rarely overweight. Ask your veterinarian for nutritional advice on maintaining your dog's healthy weight.
Bladder/Bowel: Report changes in the frequency or consistency of your puppy's urine or stool to your veterinarian immediately.
What isn’t normal and are red-flags of an unhealthy pet:
Diarrhea: This common ailment can be caused by many factors including bacteria, viruses, internal parasites, toxic substances, too much food or psychological upsets. Call your veterinarian if stools are bloody, if there is a large volume of watery stools, if your pet is thin or potbellied or if diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours.
Constipation: Like diarrhea, constipation can be caused by many factors, including, ingesting substances such as hair, bones or foreign materials, or because of disease or insufficient water intake. Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, radiographs or perform other tests to find the cause.
Vomiting: It is not uncommon for a pet to vomit occasionally, but frequent or persistent vomiting is not normal. Call your veterinarian if vomiting occurs more than five times in a few hours, large volumes are vomited, vomit contains blood, or is accompanied by diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Abnormal Urination: Straining to urinate or bloody urine may indicate a painful infection of the urinary tract. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
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