Step One: Be smart and do your research. Whether you are looking at adopting a puppy from a shelter or a rescue you will need to know what breed type will be the best fit for you and your family as an adult. For example some herding group breeds may seem like the …show more content…
Puppies can be very vulnerable to various parasites and diseases, even rabies. Any rescue should have these records readily available for prospective owners and shelters often include vaccinations within the adoption fees.
Step Three: Perform a basic examination on your own of your prospective puppy's eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. Are the eyes alert and clear with no drainage? Are the ears clean and free of mites? How about the mouth and nose? Are the puppy's gums a healthy light pink color? Check does the puppy have any discoloration on its skin or flaky skin? This could just be due to an allergy, but it can also be the early signs of parasitic mange or another condition. Most importantly your puppy should be breathing regularly without any wheezing or labored breathing.
Step Four: The last and best step of all is to play and interact with the puppy one on one. Any breed of puppy should be playful, energetic, and curious. Of course depending on the individual puppy's personality, some will naturally be more timid or shy than others. This is not a sign of ill health, just an insight into their first few weeks of life or individual character. Of course any lethargy, listlessness, and droopy posture can be a sign of ill health from parasites, worms, poor nutrition or type of