Tips for Selecting a Healthy Puppy or Adult Dog

There are ways to tell if a puppy or adult dog is healthy. Learn to recognize the signs of good health before you decide to give a dog a home. 

After all, it's just as easy to fall in love with a strong, healthy puppy as a weak, ill one.

Activity Level

While you are only buying one puppy, insist on seeing all of the puppies in the litter if they are still on the breeder's premises. By five weeks of age, healthy pups will begin playing with one another and should be lively and energetic.

Visit long enough to see the puppies when they are awake. Every pup in the litter should be rambunctious and eager to engage one another in puppy games. A pup that does otherwise could be ill.

If you are acquiring a rescue dog, ask to take him out of his enclosure and take him for a walk on a leash. He should be able to walk without limping. 

If there's a big fenced-in yard, let him run freely. Not every dog enjoys chasing a ball or Frisbee, but if he wants to engage you in play this is a good sign that he wants your approval and is healthy enough to run.

Shy or Outgoing

A pup or adult dog should be happy and eager to interact with you. The dog that's off in the corner is not only shy, but could also be ill. 

While you may feel sorry for a dog that seems afraid to meet you, this behavior could mean major veterinary bills later on.

Even if she's physically healthy, shyness could mean a mentally unhealthy animal, which can become a great burden. Although some introverted pups come out of their shells later on, many do not. 

These pups in the corner can easily grow up to become fearful adults and are not good choices for an active, noisy family or for people who have never had a dog before and are still learning about how to train one.

These dogs can develop separation anxiety and cry and carry on every time you leave them alone. They may be afraid of noises and inanimate objects, including their own shadows. They may develop obsessive-compulsive habits that include licking and biting themselves and running in circles. 

Some fearful dogs may actually become aggressive and may bite to overcompensate for their fear. They may well require a tremendous amount of training and socialization in order to live a happy life.

Signs of a Healthy Pup 

When choosing a puppy, it's easy to get caught up in his looks. Instead, focus on evaluating his overall condition and look at the pup through a veterinarian's eyes. Look for these signs:

• Skin should be smooth, clean, and shiny without any sores or bumps.
• Puppies should not be biting or scratching at themselves continuously, which could signal fleas.
• At ten to twelve days of age, eyes should be open and clear without any redness or discharge.
• Pups should not be scratching at their eyes, which may mean there's an infection or irritation.
• Vomiting or coughing more than once is not normal and may indicate the pup is ill.
• Stools should be firm without being watery or bloody; abnormalities may be a sign of illness or worms.
• Pups should run or walk freely without limping.
• You should be able to slightly feel a pup's ribs if you rub his sides, but you should not be able to see the ribs protruding through the skin.

Health Records

A good breeder should provide you with records of your puppy's health. These should include the dates of your puppy's first vaccines, when she was dewormed, and the results of her first examination by a veterinarian. 

Hopefully the veterinarian listened to the puppy's heart and noted any signs of a heart murmur or an umbilical hernia. This information should be revealed to you if you are interested in purchasing the pup.

The parents test results for the absence of hip or elbow dysplasia (dislocation), cardiac problems, and slipped patellas (kneecaps) should also be given to you. 

Any history of cancer, allergies, or digestion problems should also be noted. These problems may be an early indicator of health issues your puppy may inherit. 

The best breeders take great pride in handing over a thick notebook full of the latest behavior, care, health, and training information on your puppy. Be sure to read it and feel free to ask the breeder questions. 

It will prove invaluable when it comes to raising your puppy. Once you've chosen a puppy, plan to take her to your own veterinarian for a checkup within two days of bringing her home.

Signs of a Healthy Dog

A reputable rescue organization will have all dogs temperamentally and medically screened to make sure you are getting a healthy dog. Check her over yourself anyway for these signs of good health: 

• Eyes should be clear and not runny or cloudy.
• Coat should not be thin or patchy.
• Skin should be clear and free of bumps; run your hands underneath the coat to make sure.
• No fleas or ticks.
• Dog should be able to move freely.
• Dog should not be coughing or wheezing.
• Dog should not be rubbing or pawing at her ears or eyes; this could mean ear or eye infection.
• Dog should not be biting at her skin or licking one area obsessively; this could signal allergy problems.
• Dog should be a healthy weight; protruding ribs means she's too thin, a solid round shape without any definition of her waist means she's overweight.