My pug puppy has coccidia, which my vet said is from her mom, should the breeder be held accountable?

Question

My pug puppy has been home for less than 13 days and very sick since his second day in my home. My vet has been checking him regularly, ruled out parvo but said he has coccidia which he believes is directly related to the mom. What can I make this breeder do?

Answer 1

If your breeder was a responsible breeder your puppy would have come with health guarantees. Don't listen to those who suggest you get a replacement pup. Why would you want another pup from someone breeding sick puppies?
Check into whether or not your state has "puppy lemon laws".
http://www.malteseonly.com/lemon.html
Your breeder may be held accountable under the law for your vet bills.

Answer 2

That depends entirely on what your puppy contract says. Most breeders have buyers sign a contract when they purchase a puppy. Most of these contracts state that the buyer is responsible for getting the puppy checked by a vet within 2 or 3 days. If your contract says you were supposed to get the pup checked within 2 or 3 days and you waited until almost two weeks after you brought him home then there's probably nothing you can do. If you did get the pup checked within the alloted time, then your contract should spell out the breeder's responsibility. If you bought the puppy without a contract, you can ask the breeder to cover the cost of treating the puppy but be prepared to get "no" as an answer. You may have to go to court...but then you have to decide if the vet bills are more than what your court costs are going to be.

At any rate you should contact the breeder to let them know about the coccidia so that they can get their dogs treated.

Answer 3

Talk to the breeder and inform them of the situation. Start off being nice and see what they say. A lot of reputable or at least respectful breeders would like to know that this is in their facilities b/c most will adapt a regimen to treat it in the future. The breeder may be great about it and offer to pay for a little or maybe even all of the treatment.

Also, what kind of contract did you have with the breeder. Most reputable/experienced breeders will have a health guarantee and would probably cover this if your vet wrote a note and/or it was in the time period of the health guarantee. However, there isn't much you can do if the breeder refuses to own up and take responsibility.

Getting a note from your vet saying that it this was acquired from the breeders dog, may help. Unfortunately, there are no regulations if a disreputable breeders is out there and won't do anything.

You just need to go to the breeder and discuss it sooner than later. If you didn't sign or receive a health guarantee you might not be able to anything if they refuse to help out, but never recommend them to anyone. You may be surprised though. The breeder might not have know about any coccidia in their dogs and will be glad that you called and be willing to help out some.

Answer 4

What can I make this breeder do??

Although most infections are the result of spread from the mother, this is not always the case. Any infected puppy or kitten is contagious to other puppies or kittens. In breeding facilities, shelters, animal hospitals, etc., it is wise to isolate those infected from those that are not.

How about instead of ruining your relationship with the breeder straight away... You call her and tell her about the coccidia and see what she says. If you go off trying to get her to do something and get all aggressive, you might find that she isn't real helpful at all. Try the nice approach first.

Answer 5

The breeder should be held responsible for all vet bills. The vet was correct in telling you the pup got this from the mother.

I would definetly contact the breeder and if he or she is a good breeder they will offer to pay the bills before you even ask.

Answer 6

The breeder should cover the vet bills..If the pup has been ill since bringing it home, as cocci takes a few days to colonize enough for symptoms to begin. Chances are that the breeder's litter (not yet sold) will be having the problem too, and he/she may be glad to know of the diagnoses to help the pups still at home.

Answer 7

If your breeder is ethical & reputable, they probably have a health guarantee. They should pay the vet bills in this case. But if your dog is sick with this, I have a feeling your breeder might just be in it for the $$, and may refuse to do anything.

Depending on the local rules, you could always try small claims court, but definitely your first move is to go talk to the breeder and explain the problem.

Answer 8

If the puppy was sold to you in this condition then yes, the breeder is certainly accountable. No responsible breeder would sell a sick puppy.

Approach the breeder, explain the situation, and for help with the vet bills. Be polite at first, it gets the best results!

After you have the breeder on your side (or if you don't manage to achieve this) - report them! They're clearly irresponsible and should not be allowed to breed puppies.

Chalice

Answer 9

i agree with everyone. if they are responsible breeders they will cover the bills, replace the dog, or refund your money. be careful if you get another dog from them though. i would have your vet check it out before.

Answer 10

she should either give the money back , or give you another puppy, if not take her to court