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Buying from reputable breeder; puppies have fleas at 6 weeks. Is this normal?

Posted : 7/5/2011 6:46:40 PM

We are purchasing a Weimaraner from a reputable breeder with plenty of experience. Upon a recent visit, however, we learned that the puppies all have fleas. They are about 6 weeks, but we are pretty sure we've seen fleas on them since the first visit at 6 days. Is this normal / common?

Should we be getting a discount on the purchase price? We signed a contract saying the puppy would be delivered in good health, and as far as I'm concerned, an 8-week old puppy with fleas is not a dog that is in "good health." Perhaps a discount up to the amount of additional costs for flea medication / treatment?

Thanks.

calliecritturs

Posted : 7/5/2011 7:04:23 PM

Don't know how you've researched your breeder but that honestly doesn't sound very good to me.

What does "reputable breeder" mean to you? That just sounds ... bad to me. Honestly? I'd walk away. That calls SO much into account ... flea-ridden pups likely have tapeworm. And what else **that you can't see** has been slipshod?

I wouldn't be talking about discount -- I'd be finding another breeder.

janet_rose

Posted : 7/5/2011 7:33:18 PM

pupsters
we learned that the puppies all have fleas.

Flea anemia can be fatal for young puppies. What efforts is the breeder taking to get rid of the fleas?

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_flea_anemia.html

glenmar

Posted : 7/5/2011 7:35:02 PM

I absolutely agree with Callie. Flea anemia is a very real danger with pups in addition to the things that she mentioned. If you saw the pups at 6 days, that too is a warning flag to me. When I was breeding I didn't let ANYONE near my pups that young.

Jewlieee

Posted : 7/5/2011 8:12:52 PM

This is not sounding good. Most breeders do not allow visitors until 4 weeks. Certainly not 6 days. Thats bad. Are the pups living outside exposed to fleas?