How young is too young to bring home a yorkie?

[jerry miller]

We brought home our first Yorkie two weeks ago, she was 7 weeks old. She was energetic and playful, we were potty training her. One week later, she was sleeping much more than usual and not eating and hot. It was a Sunday, so we couldn't get to a vet, "emergency" services wouldn't take her because we were not already a client. We gave her honey as the breeder suggested and it perked her up somewhat. We took her to our vet on Monday and she was diagnosed with coccidia and they were treating her, but she died 4 days later. I think the breeder gave he to us too early, we didn't know they had such fragile immune systems. If we would ever get another yorkie some day, how old would it need to be to not be so susceptible to coccidia or other diseases?

[Maximo]

I am very sorry for your heartbreaking loss.

The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America recommends 12 weeks. For first time Yorkie families, I think this is best for such small dogs. When a new puppy comes home, the puppy should have a wellness exam done with a vet within 48 hours. This is also good for establishing a relationship with a vet office.

I would also look for an ER that accepts all patients. Very sad that you were turned away because you were not an existing client.

[chickensmith]

I am so sorry you lost your little pup...I agree that it seems Strange an emergency vet turned you away. Shame on them. And shame on the "breeder" who sold her to you at 7 weeks. It's definately truth that you need to have a good relationship with your regular vet as well as an emergency vet clinic. 7 weeks is early...but coccidia is a nasty parasite....very dangerous left untreated....highly contagious also. Have you notified said "breeder"? If she has offered no compensation I would check puppy "lemon" laws within your state.

[buddybear]

So sorry for your loss.
Buddybear was 3 1/2 months when I got him, but had no idea they needed to be at least 12 weeks.

[Lovetodream88]

Im so sorry. reputable breeders won't let a pup go to there new home until 12 weeks so I would say 12 weeks but they can still be very fragile and susceptible to sicknesses and illnesses.

[BabyGirl Rosie]

My breeder took Lily to the vet the day before I got her. She was 12 weeks and vet checked with a one year health guarantee. I paid more for her but spent a lot of time researching the breeder. I am so sorry for your loss. That must have been heart breaking.

[Wylie's Mom]

Waiting until 12 weeks for toy dogs is really ideal for their safety and development.

[jerry miller]

Update:The breeder contacted us, they were very apologetic, they are going to give us another puppy when one is available that is old enough.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by jerry miller

Update:The breeder contacted us, they were very apologetic, they are going to give us another puppy when one is available that is old enough.

I would be very careful going with the same breeder because you could end up with another sick pup.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by jerry miller

Update:The breeder contacted us, they were very apologetic, they are going to give us another puppy when one is available that is old enough.

That is some good news. Line up a vet to do your own health evaluation when you bring the puppy home, and to establish a relationship right away with a vet's office/stay on top of puppy vaccinations.

[ironmike86]

Coccidia really isnt harmful unless never treated. Almost all puppies will or can get it. But they get treated for it. The reason why a Vet check is done before you get the puppy from the breeder and when you get it . To make sure its healthy. No parasites or is being treated. At that young age one they stop drinking and eating they can goes fast. A good breeder won't let you have the pup at such a young age. Sometimes they won't eat in a new environment. Unless someone is home 24-7 to watch the pup. The old the better. I know the op probably will only get there money back is by getting a new pup. But if I could get my money back I would get it then get a new breeder. JMO. Coccidia (Coccidiosis) in Dogs: A Cause of Diarrhea

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by ironmike86

Coccidia really isnt harmful unless never treated. Almost all puppies will or can get it. But they get treated for it. The reason why a Vet check is done before you get the puppy from the breeder and when you get it . To make sure its healthy. No parasites or is being treated. At that young age one they stop drinking and eating they can goes fast. A good breeder won't let you have the pup at such a young age. Sometimes they won't eat in a new environment. Unless someone is home 24-7 to watch the pup. The old the better. I know the op probably will only get there money back is by getting a new pup. But if I could get my money back I would get it then get a new breeder. JMO. Coccidia (Coccidiosis) in Dogs: A Cause of Diarrhea

This is another good point. Even at 12 weeks, I would caution against leaving a little Yorkie pup at home alone all day. If someone is not home, I would make arrangements to have someone check in on the pup at least every 3 to 4 hours. These little ones can go down so fast.