Are you ready for a puppy? Apex Vets gives some great advice regarding preparing for a puppy

National Puppy Day – are you ready for a puppy?

It is National Puppy Day on the 23rd of March, getting a new pup can be very daunting as there is so much to consider!! Our nurse, Chloe has put together a helpful guide of things to think about/ check when thinking of getting a new puppy.

Did you know here at Apex Vets we offer “new pet advice consultations” free of charge to help you with everything you need to prepare you for getting a new pet. Chloe has put together a questionnaire to help you decide what breed is best for you. What dog is right for you?

Getting a dog is a huge commitment, and one that you will make for around the next 10 years! It is important to consider if you are ready to take this on before welcoming a new addition home. Your puppy will soon grow into a happy dog, who will be with your family for many happy years!

Have you budgeted to make sure you can afford all the costs associated with getting a puppy? Not only the initial outlay purchasing the puppy and buying them everything they need to bring them home, but it is important to consider the lifetime costs of owning a dog such as insurance, vet bills, buying food, leads/ collars/ harnesses, toys, and kennel/ home boarding fees is needed when going on holiday.

Does everyone in the house want a dog and understand the commitment?
What kind of dog do you want? It is important to research the breed to make sure they fit in with your home and lifestyle.

Do you have enough time for a puppy?
Is your home appropriate?

There is such a high demand for puppies recently, and it’s so easy to get caught in a trap from puppy dealers.

Here are some top tips from Chloe!

• Avoid sites like Gumtree. Use a more reliable source, such as the Kennel Club
• Speak to your vet for advice.
• Ensure your future pet will fit into your lifestyle (current and future)
• Find out more about the dog breed you are interested in – their temperament, their purpose, and their health.
• Be careful of breeders charging very high prices, they may be breeding for the wrong intentions.
• Meet the puppies mum and other siblings (more than once if possible)
• Find out the health test history of your puppy and their parents.
• Never collect from a car park, collect from the home of the breeder, and see the area your puppy has been raised in
• Your breeder should ask you lots of questions to ensure their puppy is right for you. A responsible breeder will always make sure their puppies are going to a good home.
• Get paperwork and evidence that your puppy has been health checked, wormed, and microchipped, and possibly vaccinated.
  What to expect from your breeder?
• If you get a bad feeling, or feel like the breeder is untrustworthy – walk away!
  Your priority should always be a happy, healthy puppy! #SayNoToPuppyDealers