puppy store purchase

My friend bought a puppy from a puppy store this weekend. I know!
I had gone with her to 5 shelters, but then she went and bought one.


I saw it yesterday. It's a little bichon.
5 months.

My concern is that the dog didn't run around and just sat in my lap and slept.
I'm concerned this dog is really sick.

I thought all puppies are full of energy and run around.
I haven't had a puppy in years, and have never owned little dogs but it seems off to me.

Opinions on dog's behavior ?

** I'm really looking for help with the behavior of your puppies compared to this puppy. Please don't go off about puppy mills and pets stores, there is nothing than can be done at this point. TIA!!

Re: puppy store purchase

At 5 months my dog was very active so that sounds odd to me. Usually when you get a dog you take it to the vet right away, at least we did. Has she taken it to a vet yet? I don't mean the one the pet store recommended either.

Re: puppy store purchase

I agree with what Dita said - but keep in mind that puppies can sleep for up to 20 hours a day sometimes.

Maybe the pup was just so overwhelmed with not being in the pet store (no crazy noises, no million different smells) that it was just totally exhausted? Just a thought.....

Re: puppy store purchase

Make sure she takes the dog to the vet. This happened to me when my mom "bought" my Lhasa from the breeder and what my vet noticed was that in small dogs the shots should be spaced apart and sometimes given in 2 1/2's. They didn't. My dog is 11 now and fine, but it did effect his eating for a while.

Re: puppy store purchase

Sounds fishy to me. Most puppies I've seen in action, including my own two pups are VERY active and always have been. I would encourage your friend to take this pup to the vet ASAP.

Oh and like Dita said, make sure she takes the little one to a vet that's NOT affliated in ANY way to the puppy store.

Good luck and keep us posted!!!

Re: puppy store purchase

I've never had a puppy that young so I don't have much advice there.

But as with any dog, from anywhere, one of the very first things you need to do is have a meet-and-greet with the Vet. Fill them in on what shots they have, get them checked out head to tail.

Should this puppy have any kind of sickness or issues, they have a better chance of recovering when they are treated immediately. Puppies are not rock-solid, they can succumb to disease much easier than a grown dog would.

I'd have her get to the vet pronto. I'm sure we could give some great recommendations if she's not sure where to go.

Re: puppy store purchase

When we first got Teemu he was very quiet and reserved like that, but it was mainly because he was in a new place with all new people. He warmed up within a few days and had tons of energy. But I agree with Dita, all new puppy additions should be taken to the vet right away!

Re: puppy store purchase

Re: puppy store purchase

Re: puppy store purchase

this happened to my puppy ...

shea was from a shelter.. she was VERY young.. she always crawled in our lap and slept.. not active at first...
we were worried, but she snapped out of it REAL fast!!

Re: puppy store purchase

My Yorkie was bouncing off the walls even w/ a severe ear infection and kennel cough ....
Thanks so much effing Puppy Mill
If I knew then ..........

Anyhoo, maybe the doggie is getting used to her new home/scared. - Or maybe she's just a more laid back dog

Mine is an animal !!

Re: puppy store purchase

Puppies are active, but they also sleep a whole lot. Maybe you saw her at a time when she was really tired and just wanted to nap? Did your friend say she's always like that, or is she playful and energetic sometimes too? Your friend should definitely mention it to the vet though, and keep an eye on her.

Re: puppy store purchase

Re: puppy store purchase - update

Thanks everyone for your comments!!
I appreciate them.

update - dog has an upper respiratory infection as of Monday & now has an ear infection. geezz.....

I told my friend today that I googled Shake a Paw and there were a ton of people saying their puppies were sick/ died and to really watch that puppy. Because if that upper respiratory turns into Pneumonia he could die.
I also told her that if the puppy doesn't seem to be getting better she needs to get the puppy to a vet not affiliated with Shake a Paw immediately. I wasn't trying to scare her, she took it well.

In her defense, she has never had a dog and her friend took her to the puppy mill store. Unfortunately she is learning the hard way. I hope it all turns out okay.

Makes me appreciate my pound mutt. $35 to take him home, came home healthy and has been ever since.

Message edited 11/21/2008 11:47:42 AM.

Re: puppy store purchase

Shake-a-paw is also notorious for underfeeding dogs to keep them small and for sedating them so they appear calm to potential buyers.

I'd tell your friend to maybe request FULL blood workup on the dog, and NOT from the vet recommended by S.A.P. If you need a vet recommendation feel free to FM me.

Re: puppy store purchase

Posted by sleepie76

Thanks everyone for your comments!!
I appreciate them.

update - dog has an upper respiratory infection as of Monday & now has an ear infection. geezz.....

I told my friend today that I googled Shake a Paw and there were a ton of people saying their puppies were sick/ died and to really watch that puppy. Because if that upper respiratory turns into Pneumonia he could die.
I also told her that if the puppy doesn't seem to be getting better she needs to get the puppy to a vet not affiliated with Shake a Paw immediately. I wasn't trying to scare her, she took it well.

In her defense, she has never had a dog and her friend took her to the puppy mill store. Unfortunately she is learning the hard way. I hope it all turns out okay.

Makes me appreciate my pound mutt. $35 to take him home, came home healthy and has been ever since.