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In one of my recent posts, Puppy Mills: What Can We Do to Stop Them?, I spoke about a puppy that had been purchased from a typical puppy mill source (i.e. a local pet shop). That puppy had a number of health issues but I declined to go into detail about this individual dog’s health problems because he was simply one example out of so many others. However, one of my readers left a comment suggesting that I should go into details.
Health Problems Are Common in Puppy Mill Puppies and Dogs
I thought a great deal about that comment and considered discussing that one puppy and his puppy mill related health issues. In the end, I decided it might do more good to talk about all of the health issues that are not only possible but common in most, if not all, puppy mill dogs and puppies, rather than concentrating on that one individual dog. The problem goes so much deeper than one dog. Prospective owners need to know that these problems are typical of puppy mill dogs (and puppies) and are frequently seen, not in just one puppy but in the majority of these dogs. In fact, they are more likely to be present than not, in my experience.
Infectious Diseases and Puppy Mills
Infectious diseases are common in puppies that are obtained from puppy mill sources. Infectious diseases that I’ve seen in these puppies include:
- canine distemper
- canine parvovirus
- kennel cough
- canine adenovirus (infectious hepatitis)
- leptospirosis
- intestinal parasites
- demodectic mange
The symptoms associated with these diseases range from mild and self-limiting to serious and life-threatening. However, when you add in the stress associated with shipping a sick puppy large distances under less than ideal circumstances and less than ideal nutrition and veterinary care previous to the illness, even the diseases that are normally mild can become much more serious for these puppies.
Malnutrition in Puppy Mill Dogs
Lack of proper nutritional support is a serious problem in several different ways. Quite often, the breeding dogs do not receive adequate nutrition. Malnutrition in a pregnant or nursing dog, needless to say, has a direct effect on the health of her puppies.
In addition, the puppies themselves often do not receive the best nutrition either. After being raised by a mother with a poor nutritional status and then receiving inadequate nutrition themselves, these same puppies are weakened, with an immune system that is not able to function properly, making them even more susceptible to infectious diseases.
Genetic Defects and Congenital Disease in Puppy Mill Puppies
In a puppy mill environment, there is very rarely a health examination that is performed prior to breeding. Breeding dogs are not screened for the genetic disorders that are common in their breed. No pedigrees are evaluated to determine which dogs are likely to produce superior offspring. The ONLY requirement for breeding in these environments is a male and a female dog. As a result, many of the puppies born have genetic defects and congenital disorders that will follow them for the rest of their lives. Some of those lives will be shorter than necessary as a result of these conditions.
The genetic problems encountered will vary from breed to breed. Some of the common ones that I’ve encountered include hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, cardiomyopathy, patent ductus arteriosis (PDA), undescended testicles, demodectic mange, entropion, and many more. The list goes on and on.
Housing Conditions in Puppy Mills
This doesn’t even address the conditions in which the dogs in these facilities are housed. Often, these dogs are housed on wire flooring, which leads to wounds and sores on the bottom of their feet.
Further, they are confined in cages that are often so small that the adult dogs cannot even stand and move around comfortably. They receive little to no exercise, which leads not only to health problems but also to emotional problems as well.
These dogs rarely receive adequate veterinary care. They are not vaccinated properly and, depending on the location, may be infested with fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal parasites and other problems.
This is just a quick run-down of some of the problems that I have seen and continue to see in dogs bred in puppy mills. It is not meant to be a complete list, by any means. But I think it should serve to give people considering the purchase of one of these dogs something to think about. And I urge you to remember that if you are considering purchasing a puppy from a pet store, you are almost certainly considering purchasing a puppy produced by a puppy mill.
Medical Disclaimer: All advice offered is general, and the Pet Health Care Gazette is not responsible for any problems arising from the use or misuse of the information. Since each animal and each situation is unique, we recommend that you contact your own veterinarian for help with any health or behavior problems in your pet.
Photo Courtesy of Frazzled Jen/Flickr.com
About Lorie Huston, DVM
Lorie Huston is a veterinarian, pet health and pet care expert, professional writer, blogger, social media and blogging consultant, and SEO strategist.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for writing this. we can’t bring this topic to people’s attention often enough.
I find it mind boggling that it is so hard to get through to people with this. It is so simple. No to puppy mills. Cannot be simpler than that.
Hi, Jana.
I think that education is the only way we’re going to abolish puppy mills completely. Despite the fact that it seems like it should be easy (and I agree with you 100%), it’s an uphill battle.
There’s also sort of a double-edged sword that comes into play here. Many people have soft hearts and buy one of these dogs to rescue it. While the intention is good and the heart is in the right place, the consequence is actually opposite of what was intended. Purchasing these dogs, even with the thought of rescuing them, keeps the puppy mills in business and puts money in their pockets. That being said, I can totally relate to the sentiment of saving these dogs and I can’t really find fault with the people who do this.
Thanks for your comments, Jana.
Great reminder as to why puppy mills should be abolished. At least Missouri is moving in the right direction now regarding this issue.
Missouri certainly did take a step in the right direction. Now let’s see how well they enforce Prop. B. Hopefully, it will be as effective as it is meant to be.
I find it mind boggling that it is so hard to get through to people with this. It is so simple. No to puppy mills. Cannot be simpler than that.
I agree, Norma. It just doesn’t seem like it should be difficult to understand. But, unfortunately, it’s still a big problem
I always prefer to rescue puppies from mills and animal shelter. But I think that puppy mills should be closed as they are harmful to puppies as the owner do not give them enough care.
i think puppy mills are the most disgusting things that we humans could ever do to a poor helpless animal. I just learned what a puppy mill was today in school and i do not agree with it at all.
Breanna, I agree with 100% and I think you’ll find that most other pet lovers do too. I’m glad to hear the subject is being discussed in schools though. Education and knowledge ultimately is the best type of weapon we have against abuse of any type. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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