Welcoming a new puppy into your family is such an exciting time! It’s also a very overwhelming time—both because of how much work a puppy requires and how much information there is to sift through. For many new puppy owners, breeders often serve as a primary source of information.
Breeders can be an excellent starting point when it comes to health advice for your new puppy. Many reputable breeders, especially those who work in the veterinary field, are well-informed about current best practices for veterinary care. However, it’s important to discuss what happens when the line between helpful advice and medical recommendations becomes blurred. When breeders provide advice that crosses into the realm of veterinary medicine, it can have negative effects—not only on the puppy’s health but also on the long-term relationship between the client and their veterinary hospital.
This is, unfortunately, a scenario that happens all too often in veterinary practice: A new puppy owner comes in for their first check-up—sometimes their very first visit to a veterinary clinic. The veterinary team conducts the appointment, performs a physical exam, and offers recommendations tailored to the puppy’s health and lifestyle. Then, the veterinarian’s advice is met with responses like:
- “My breeder said I shouldn’t vaccinate until she’s 6 months old.”
- “My breeder said leptospirosis isn’t real.”
- “My breeder said that I have to feed raw.”
These are real examples of things clients have said during appointments. Statements like these, which directly contradict the veterinary team’s advice, can be incredibly disheartening. They also put the veterinary-client-patient relationship on the wrong foot from the very beginning.
It’s important to recognize that both breeders and veterinary teams share the same goal: they want your puppy to thrive! So why do their recommendations sometimes contradict one another?
Breeders, while well-intentioned, often base their opinions on anecdotal evidence. Perhaps they’ve seen puppies get sick after a vet visit and now avoid early vaccinations. Maybe they’ve never encountered a case of leptospirosis firsthand. Or they’ve heard countless stories of healthy dogs thriving on raw diets.
But anecdotes are just that—stories. They capture a small snapshot in time and represent only a sliver of the bigger picture. While anecdotes can seem convincing, they don’t hold up to the rigor of evidence-based medicine, which is why veterinary medicine relies on empirical evidence.
Empirical evidence consists of findings that are tested and repeatable. These findings have undergone trials to uncover the mechanisms behind observable results. They’re published in peer-reviewed journals where other experts in the field can evaluate and challenge the conclusions.
This is the type of information your veterinary team provides during an appointment—evidence-backed recommendations grounded in years of research and clinical experience.
It’s also worth noting that there is no regulatory body for breeders. While some breeders are fantastic and may even be members of the veterinary community, not all breeders are created equal. Even if a breeder is registered with the Canadian or American Kennel Club, this doesn’t necessarily guarantee adherence to any specific standard of care. Registration primarily serves as a form of record-keeping for pedigree information, with little to no oversight of breeding practices.
Simply put: anyone can breed a dog. There are no education requirements. No monitoring.
In contrast, only veterinary professionals are legally allowed to give medical advice. This includes registered veterinary technicians, veterinarians, and anyone working under a veterinarian’s direction. To hold these titles or licenses, professionals must complete formal education and meet ongoing continuing education requirements to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
This means your veterinary team is constantly learning, evolving, and refining their practices to ensure they’re providing the best care for your puppy.
As a new puppy owner, it’s natural to seek advice from multiple sources, but it’s important to remember that your veterinary team is your most reliable partner when it comes to your puppy’s health. They have the training, education, and evidence-based knowledge to guide you through every stage of your puppy’s life. While breeders can provide valuable insights based on their experience, medical decisions should always be informed by science and professional expertise. Trusting your veterinary team and fostering an open, collaborative relationship will help ensure your puppy grows into a happy, healthy, and well-cared-for companion.