The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of puppy mills is a commercial farming operation in which purebred dogs are raised in large numbers commonly found in substandard or poor conditions. One of the most customary conditions in a puppy mill is the neglectful care of the dogs. In many cases they do not trim the dogs toe nails or take them out for regular exercise (which wears down the nails), so the dogs nails become dangerously long. Their long nails can get stuck on the cage or on wire trapping the dog. In some cases, the nail painfully grows into the dog's skin. These are examples of how basic health precautions are ignored in the typical example of a puppy mill.
Puppy mills and breeders main priority is making a profit. To make more money they breed the female dogs at every opportunity not giving them a chance to recover causing puppy mills to be prone to congenital and hereditary conditions. The common problems in puppy mills include Epilepsy, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Endocrine Disorders, Blood Disorders, Deafness, Eye Problems, Giardia, Parvovirus, Distemper, Upper Respiratory Infections, Kennel Cough, Pneumonia, Mange, Fleas, Ticks, Intestinal Parasites, Heartworm, Chronic Diarrhea. Another problem in puppy mills is extreme conditions of Emaciation, also known as the state in which animals are extremely weak and thin. The large amounts of fur cover up the skinniness of the dogs, and when they finally shave it off the true state of the dogs are revealed. These animals are confined to small cages so their fur catches urine and feces which can cause infections; nonetheless, infections and conditions are almost never treated or noticed in puppy mills.
Dogs in puppy mills rarely have a chance to socialize with other dogs or people so they tend to develop behavioral issues. The socialization between a puppy and its litter mates in the first six week is extremely important to the development of the puppies. Common behavioral issues include fear, aggression, anxiety, and extreme shyness. Another big issue relevant in puppy mills are genetic issues such as cleft palate or extreme under-bite caused from such harsh conditions and lack of medical attention. These dogs are never shown to the public and kept in small cages so they can be used as breeder dogs until they are no longer considered useful.
Puppy mills and breeders main priority is making a profit. To make more money they breed the female dogs at every opportunity not giving them a chance to recover causing puppy mills to be prone to congenital and hereditary conditions. The common problems in puppy mills include Epilepsy, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Endocrine Disorders, Blood Disorders, Deafness, Eye Problems, Giardia, Parvovirus, Distemper, Upper Respiratory Infections, Kennel Cough, Pneumonia, Mange, Fleas, Ticks, Intestinal Parasites, Heartworm, Chronic Diarrhea. Another problem in puppy mills is extreme conditions of Emaciation, also known as the state in which animals are extremely weak and thin. The large amounts of fur cover up the skinniness of the dogs, and when they finally shave it off the true state of the dogs are revealed. These animals are confined to small cages so their fur catches urine and feces which can cause infections; nonetheless, infections and conditions are almost never treated or noticed in puppy mills.
Dogs in puppy mills rarely have a chance to socialize with other dogs or people so they tend to develop behavioral issues. The socialization between a puppy and its litter mates in the first six week is extremely important to the development of the puppies. Common behavioral issues include fear, aggression, anxiety, and extreme shyness. Another big issue relevant in puppy mills are genetic issues such as cleft palate or extreme under-bite caused from such harsh conditions and lack of medical attention. These dogs are never shown to the public and kept in small cages so they can be used as breeder dogs until they are no longer considered useful.
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Sources
- Neff, Michelle. “5 Common Illnesses That Occur in Puppy Mill Dogs and Why You Should ALWAYS Adopt.” One Green Planet, One Green Planet Animal, 19 June 2017, www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/common-illnesses-in-puppy-mill-dogs/.
- “Puppy Mill.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppy%20mill.