Bringing home a puppy is exciting—but you want to make sure you’re getting a healthy, happy companion and not inheriting hidden medical problems. Here’s a robust checklist you (or your vet) should use before finalizing any purchase.
Health-Check Checklist for Puppies
| What to Check | Why It Matters | How to Examine / Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary examination / health certificate | A vet check gives assurance that there is no obvious disease, congenital issue, or infection. | Ask the breeder to let you bring a vet or show recent vet reports / test results. |
| Vaccination & deworming history | Ensures the puppy has protection against common diseases. | Ask for the vaccination card, dates, and whether boosters are due. |
| Eyes, Ears, Nose & Mouth | Clear eyes, clean ears, moist nose, healthy gums are signs of good health. | Look for redness, discharge, worms, foul smell, swollen gums. |
| Coat & Skin | A healthy coat is shiny, skin free of scabs, fleas, ticks or bald patches. | Part fur to inspect skin; look for mites, fleas, crusts. |
| Body Condition & Weight | Thin or pot-bellied puppies may have parasites or malnutrition. | You should be able to feel ribs lightly (not see them) depending on breed. |
| Legs, Feet, Joints & Mobility | To detect limb deformities, hip/elbow dysplasia, or gait issues. | Let the puppy walk, trot, turn. Watch for limping or stiffness. |
| Tail, Back & Spine | Some congenital spinal issues may show early. | Run your hand along the back; feel for bumps or pain. |
| Temperature, Heart & Lungs | A high temperature or abnormal breathing may point to underlying disease. | If your vet is present, they can check chest sounds, temperature. |
| Behavior & Temperament | Healthy puppies are alert, curious (not overly fearful, not heavily lethargic). | Observe how they play, respond to you. A good breeder will socialize them. |
| Parents’ Health & Records | Genetic/ hereditary problems often come from the lineage. | Ask to see parents, their health certificates, genetic screening, KCI registration if any. |
What to Ask / Demand from the Breeder
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Written contract or health guarantee (covering congenital issues, vet check, return policy)
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Proof of parents’ health clearances (for breeds prone to hip, eye, heart issues)
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History of vaccinations, deworming, vet visits
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Permission to inspect the environment (puppy’s living area, mother, siblings)
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That the breeder allows you to visit more than once, see the pup with its mother and siblings.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
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No or vague records of vet checks / vaccinations
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Puppy kept isolated or you aren’t allowed to see where they live
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Unusually low price (often used by irresponsible breeders or puppy mills)
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Breeder unwilling to let you bring a vet or ask many questions
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Signs of illness (coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, bald patches)
Final Steps Before Saying “Yes”
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Get a vet check within a few days after acquiring the puppy
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Keep all paperwork (vaccination card, health guarantee, contract)
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Observe the puppy closely for the first few days—appetite, stool, energy
Putting in this effort up front can save heartbreak and expense later. It also helps ensure that your puppy has the best possible start in life.
