8 Essential Checks When Choosing a Healthy Puppy

Are you ready to find a puppy? Choosing the right puppy is one of the most exciting decisions but also a serious responsibility. To help you find a healthy, happy companion that fits well with your life, we’ve teamed up with FirstVet, the 24-hour digital veterinary service, to share 8 essential checks you should make before bringing a puppy home.

1. Where Has the Puppy Been Raised?

The environment where your puppy has been bred and raised significantly impacts their early development and temperament. It's best to select a puppy raised in a setting similar to your own home. For example, if you have young children, choose a puppy accustomed to family life. This helps ensure the puppy is comfortable and well-adjusted to your daily routine and environment.

2. Meet and Observe the Puppy’s Mother

Always meet the puppy with their mother in the place where they were born. Observing the mother provides valuable insight into the likely temperament and health of the puppy. Is she friendly and confident, or fearful and anxious? A calm and sociable mother often means better-adjusted puppies. If the breeder hesitates or refuses to show the mother, consider this a warning sign.

3. Assess the Puppy’s Confidence and Happiness

Select a puppy that appears confident and willing to engage with you without fear or hesitation. Signs of a happy, well-socialised puppy include:

• Relaxed body language
• Comfort with being handled and touched without flinching
• Playful interaction with littermates
• Engagement with toys, such as pouncing and chasing
• Following and responding to a gentle, happy voice

Remember each puppy has a unique personality. Speak with the breeder about each pup's traits to help find your perfect match.

4. Check the Puppy’s Health Indicators

Healthy puppies usually have bright, clear eyes with no discharge, clean ears free from odour, healthy white teeth with pink gums, and soft shiny coats without fleas or bald spots. Their bottoms should be clean and free from soreness or diarrhoea. The puppy should have a healthy weight, with no ribs visibly protruding. If you spot any concerning signs, seek advice or consider another puppy.

5. Confirm Worming and Vaccination Status

Puppies’ immune systems are vulnerable, so responsible breeders treat them for worms before they leave their care. Confirm the puppy has been wormed and vaccinated according to vet recommendations and ask about the treatments used. For detailed advice on worming your dog, visit FirstVet's worming guide. If unsure, consider booking a consultation with a FirstVet vet for health advice.

6. Inquire About Early Socialisation Experiences

The socialisation period between 4 to 16 weeks old is critical for puppies to learn key life skills and adapt to the world. Ask the breeder about the experiences your puppy has had so far: meeting different people, being gently handled and brushed, and having paws touched. Early socialisation helps build confidence and reduces the risk of fearfulness later. For more tips, see where to socialise your puppy.

7. Check For Health Testing on Parents

Certain breeds are prone to inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia or eye disease. Reputable breeders conduct health screening to reduce these risks. Research if your chosen breed has known genetic issues and ask the breeder for health test certificates for both parents. This helps ensure your puppy comes from a responsible breeding line with fewer risks to their future health.

8. Confirm Microchipping Is Completed by Law

By law in the UK, all puppies must be microchipped by eight weeks old before they leave the breeder’s care. Make sure your puppy has a microchip, and the breeder provides the registration paperwork. Once you bring your puppy home, update the microchip details with your contact information. Learn more about microchipping at Pets4Homes microchipping guide.

Have Questions About Your Puppy’s Health?

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to book a video appointment with one of the FirstVet vets for personalised advice and support.

Remember, if you suspect poor breeding or unethical selling practices, please do not take on the animal hoping to save it. Instead, report the breeder or seller to appropriate authorities to protect animals from mistreatment. Responsible puppy buying means supporting ethical breeders and giving your new companion the best start in life.

We hope these 8 checks guide you towards a healthy, happy puppy and a joyful lifelong friendship.