Pet Stores

The lies, misleading information and the problems with puppy mill puppies

Many pet stores tell consumers the cute puppies they have all come from “licensed USDA breeders” or “local breeders” in a mis-leading attempt to give customers a false sense of security, when in fact, it really means they do get their puppies from puppy mills. Pet stores will often say the puppies are registered as a selling point  which mean nothing more than the puppy’s parents had papers.  However, is not uncommon for the linage records of puppy mill dogs to be falsified.

Due to the unsanitary conditions, lack of care and parents being bred without consideration of genetic quality, puppies from these breeding operations are prone to congenital and hereditary conditions which include:

  • Musculoskeletal disorders (hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, etc.)
  • Endocrine disorders (diabetes, hyperthyroidism)
  • Blood disorders
  • Deafness
  • Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, etc.)
  • Respiratory disorders Epilepsy
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease

Diseases and illnesses that are common in puppy mill puppies sold at pet stores:

  • Parvovirus
  • Distemper
  • Giardia
  • Mange
  • Pneumonia
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Kennel cough
  • Heartworm
  • Chronic diarrhea

Behavioral problems are also not uncommon in puppy mill puppies. Fear, anxiety, extreme shyness and even aggression are often seen in these puppies who are separated from their mothers and littermates around six weeks old – the time when they develop much needed socialization.