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Are intestinal worms setting up camp in your dog’s gut without paying rent? Here’s how to spot the main culprits and get rid of them too:![]()
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Preventing, Identifying and Treating Intestinal Worms in Dogs - bit.ly/43YjCKu
Preventing, Identifying and Treating Intestinal Worms in Dogs
www.pd.com.au
Intestinal worms, such as roundworms in dogs are one of the least glamorous topics on the planet. These intestinal parasites that basically use our dogs
We enjoyed meeting #breeders #doglovers and members at the Dogs West Open Day. Special thanks to our partner Dogs West for organising an incredible event. There is still time to enter our pawsome competition. Click here for details: bit.ly/4covyce![]()
#PDinsurance #dogswestopenday #dogswest
Did you know? The Manx is a breed that is known for its lack of a tail, which is caused by a genetic mutation.
Yes, there are plenty of puppy scams happening throughout Australia. However, you can buy a puppy safely from a wide range of reputable and legitimate breeders.
Many of these breeders use online platforms to connect with customers far and wide. Here’s how to check they are who they say they are.
Keep a level head
Don’t make a spontaneous, emotional decision based on a few adorable photos with a compelling story of a dog that needs to be adopted ASAP.
Do your research before you buy a puppy
Phone multiple breeders to get an idea of market pricing and expected wait times. Join breed-specific Facebook groups. Ask if anyone has heard of the breeder you’re looking at.
Research the breeder
Are they registered with the Australian National Kennel Council? Can they provide a verifiable physical address? Can you connect with other owners of their dogs?
Quality breeders often offer a lifetime return on their puppies, rehoming them or keeping them if you can’t at any stage. As well as keeping dogs out of pounds, this shows they care about their animals.
Be aware of waiting lists
Most reputable breeders have one, particularly those selling popular breeds. Sometimes, the list is long – especially in 2020 – so be patient. If a breeder pops up saying they have a popular breed of puppy available ASAP, be suspicious. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Ask lots of questions over the phone
Reputable breeders will take the time to speak with you on the phone and will be happy to answer any questions. After all, the more questions you ask, the more interested and engaged you are. For them, that’s a good sign you’ll be a great pet owner.
And be sure to read these top tips on how to be a rocking pet parent.
Visit the puppy in person
Make the effort to visit the puppy prior to collecting her, say when she’s five or six weeks old. Even if it’s a few hours away, stop for lunch and make a day of it. It’ll be worth your time and energy to know you’re dealing with someone legitimate and that particular pup is what you’re looking for.
Visiting confirms the puppy exists and lets you check out the breeder’s facilities to make sure you’re comfortable with their operation. You may also get to meet the puppy’s parents – a good indicator of how she might be once fully grown.
Collect the puppy in person
If you’re unable to visit the puppy before getting her, make a plan to pick her up in person. This is especially important if there’s any doubt as to the breeder’s legitimacy. Tell the breeder you’ll fly to wherever they say they are – even if you’re bluffing. If they back away or disappear, you’ll know it was a scam.
Check the legitimacy of photos
Puppy scam operators generally use photos of puppies they’ve found on the internet. Check the photos’ metadata to find information like the date and location the photo was taken. Not sure how? Click here. You can also do a reverse image search using this website. That’ll show you everywhere that picture has appeared online. You might get a shock!
Ask for more photos
A genuine breeder will be able to satisfy your request for more photos. Given most people have camera phones, it’s hardly a chore. If they can only provide the same small handful of photos, you’re right to be suspicious.
Being aware of online puppy scams and how they operate is the first step to protecting yourself and your family. And with a few tricks up your sleeve to find a reputable breeder, you’ll soon buy a puppy safely and be cuddling your new fur baby in no time.
Finally bringing home an adopted dog? Then read our dog adoption checklist for our tips on what you need to make your home as comfortable as possible for your new pup.
Protect yourself
Once you buy a puppy, then remember to protect your new pet and your finances via pet insurance. That way you won’t need to make any head versus heart decisions when your dog needs crucial medical care after an accident or when an illness is running rife.
Plus, we cover non-routine vet visits, medication, third party liability and more. Check out the PD Insurance dog insurance plans here.
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